How the CIA Used a Former Spanish Soldier to Monitor Julian Assange
A former Spanish military officer was allegedly involved in spying on Julian Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, as revealed by testimonies and messages reported by El País.
The article discusses the alleged involvement of David Morales, a former Spanish military officer and owner of a small security company based in Jerez de la Frontera, in a CIA operation to spy on Julian Assange while he was residing in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. On March 21, 2017, Morales sent an email instructing his employees to conduct surveillance on embassy staff and guests, suggesting the installation of hidden microphones in Assange's bedroom to monitor his activities in real time.
This revelation sheds light on the cooperation between U.S. intelligence agencies and private security firms in conducting surveillance operations, especially concerning high-profile figures like Assange. Morales's actions indicate a deliberate effort to gather intelligence under the pretext of ensuring security, raising ethical questions about private-sector involvement in espionage and the rights of individuals being monitored without their consent.
The implications of this story extend beyond the individual case of Assange, as it highlights the broader context of surveillance practices utilized by governments and private firms. This incident also reignites the debate over press freedom, privacy, and the ethically gray areas in which intelligence operations can function, particularly when they involve monitoring journalists and whistleblowers who challenge state narratives.