A former Moroccan intelligence official has revealed extensive use of Pegasus spyware by the Moroccan government to target journalists, human rights defenders, and politicians, while New Zealand confirms its first case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu, raising fears for the country's native bird species.

Morocco's Surveillance Practices
A whistleblower known as Safir, who worked with Morocco's domestic intelligence service, disclosed that Pegasus spyware was deployed by the Moroccan government against both domestic and foreign targets since 2017. This revelation contradicts Morocco's long-standing denial of using the software to surveil critics. The NSO Group, which manufactures Pegasus, claims the software is intended for use against criminals and terrorists. However, evidence gathered by a consortium of 14 media organizations, including Le Monde and Haaretz, indicates that the spyware has been misused to target dissidents and journalists. The investigation was supported by Amnesty International’s Security Lab, which analyzed leaked materials and corroborated Safir's testimony.

Details of the Pegasus Demonstration
The investigation uncovered that high-ranking Moroccan intelligence officials received a detailed demonstration of Pegasus in 2017 at a villa in Rabat. This event highlighted the spyware's ability to remotely infect devices, allowing operatives to access sensitive information without physical contact. The implications of such surveillance practices raise significant concerns regarding human rights and freedom of expression in Morocco.

New Zealand's Bird Flu Crisis
In a separate development, New Zealand's biosecurity minister confirmed the first case of H5N1 bird flu in the country. A brown skua found on Petone beach tested positive for the virus, prompting fears for the survival of the nation’s unique and vulnerable bird species. The arrival of this virus, which has devastated bird populations globally, poses a significant threat to New Zealand’s ecosystem, where approximately 80% of native birds are already considered endangered.

Preparedness and Response
New Zealand has been preparing for the potential arrival of bird flu for years, implementing a vaccination program for five endangered bird species. The Ministry for Primary Industries has established a comprehensive surveillance network involving wildlife sanctuaries, zoos, and veterinary services. Biosecurity minister Andrew Hoggard urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of sick or dead birds.

Expert Opinions
Conservation biologist James Russell emphasized the urgency of addressing existing pressures on bird populations to help them recover from the virus. Virologist Jemma Geoghegan noted that New Zealand is not entering this crisis unprepared, as it can leverage international experiences to manage the outbreak effectively.

Wrap-up
The revelations regarding Morocco’s use of Pegasus spyware and the emergence of H5N1 bird flu in New Zealand highlight pressing global issues surrounding surveillance, human rights, and wildlife conservation. Both situations demand thorough investigation and proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team