Former directors of Poland's Internal Security Agency and Military Counterintelligence Service have been charged for alleged misuse of Pegasus spyware to spy on opposition politicians during the previous government.
The Polish prosecutor’s office has announced charges against former heads of the Internal Security Agency (ABW) and the Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW) for allegedly deploying the controversial Pegasus spyware, developed by NSO Group, to surveil opposition figures. This action follows a political shift in late 2023 when the new Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government initiated investigations into the previous administration's alleged misuse of spy technology.
The Pegasus spyware has garnered international scrutiny due to its potential for infringing on privacy rights and freedom of expression. The charges against Piotr Pogonowski and Maciej Materka stem from their positions during the term of the Law and Justice Party (PiS), which has faced accusations of undermining democratic practices. Authorities under Tusk's administration claim that the software was widely utilized against political adversaries, prompting concerns about the implications for political accountability and human rights in Poland.
Former officials, however, assert that the new government's inquiries are politically driven, suggesting an effort to discredit their legacy and consolidate power. With penalties of up to three years of imprisonment attached to the charges, this case could lead to significant legal and political ramifications within Poland, raising questions about the ethical use of surveillance technology and the integrity of political transitions in the country.
