Feb 25 • 18:12 UTC 🇫🇷 France Le Figaro

Poland: Two former intelligence chiefs charged for using Pegasus

Two former Polish intelligence chiefs have been charged with using the Pegasus spyware, compromising classified information and facing potential prison time.

In Poland, two former heads of intelligence services have been formally charged for allegedly utilizing the controversial Pegasus spyware, which is known for its invasive capabilities. The prosecution's announcement highlights that the use of this software endangered classified information and potentially violated national security protocols. The individuals charged led the Internal Security Agency (ABW) and the Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW), significant positions within Poland's national security apparatus.

The charges stem from the assertion that the Pegasus system did not have the required electronic security accreditation to handle such sensitive information. The Polish National Prosecutor's Office stated that the misuse of Pegasus not only jeopardized the integrity of classified information but also represented a significant breach of their professional duties. Each of the charged individuals could face up to three years in prison if convicted.

This situation raises essential discussions about oversight and regulation concerning surveillance technologies, especially those that are capable of infringing on civil liberties and privacy. The case reflects ongoing tensions in Poland regarding civil rights, government accountability, and the implications of intelligence operations. It also poses questions about the extent to which states can legally use advanced surveillance tools without proper oversight, particularly amid growing concerns about possible misuse against political opponents and activists.

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