Pegasus spyware inquiry targeted by disinformation campaign, say experts

It was signed by two people who have previously been targeted multiple times by governments using Pegasus: Carine Kanimba, the daughter of Paul Rusesabagina, who is in prison in Rwanda, and the Hungarian journalist Szabolcs Panyi. Other signatories included Access Now, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Red en Defensa de los Derechos Digitales, and the Human Rights Foundation.

Olivas told the Guardian he rejected the accusations and had requested a formal explanation from the committee about his rescinded invitation. He also said he had complained to the president of the European parliament.

In June 2020, the Guardian and El País reported that at least three senior pro-independence Catalan politicians had been told their phones had been targeted using Pegasus.

Paz Esteban, the head of the CNI, reportedly confirmed to a congressional committee that the centre had spied on 18 members of the Catalan independence movement, including Aragonès, with judicial approval. She was sacked shortly afterwards.

The Spanish government did not respond to requests for comment.