Colombian President Gustavo Petro has launched an investigation into the purchase of Pegasus spy software by the country’s police force during the previous government’s administration. The spyware, bought in cash from an Israeli surveillance firm, may have been used to spy on political rivals, including President Petro himself. Pegasus software allows operators to infiltrate mobile phones, extracting messages, photos, emails, and even activating microphones and cameras remotely.
President Petro’s revelation of the $11 million cash payments to the Israeli surveillance firm raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability. He called for a thorough investigation into the purchase and the potential misuse of the spyware by Colombia’s police force. This incident is not the first time Colombian security forces have been accused of illegal surveillance practices, with previous wiretapping scandals leading to the closure of the country’s intelligence agency in 2011.
The president’s call for accountability and transparency in this matter highlights the importance of upholding privacy rights and preventing misuse of surveillance technology for political gain.
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