Pegasus Spyware Targeted Greek MEP Stelios Kouloglou Amid EU Surveillance Probe
The mobile phone of Stelios Kouloglou, a former Member of the European Parliament and journalist, was reportedly infected at least twice with Pegasus spyware. This finding comes from research conducted by Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, known for its investigations into advanced cyber-espionage tools. The spyware is considered one of the most sophisticated globally. This revelation adds a new dimension to the ongoing European scandal involving illegal surveillance operations. Kouloglou was reportedly targeted while he was actively investigating the surveillance scandal within the European Parliament itself. The specific timing of the infections suggests a potential connection to his journalistic and political activities concerning the probe. Citizen Lab's findings indicate that the sophisticated nature of Pegasus was deployed against an individual looking into sensitive political matters.
The reported targeting of Stelios Kouloglou with Pegasus spyware, while he was investigating surveillance activities within the European Parliament, raises significant questions about the integrity of democratic processes and the potential for state-sponsored or state-enabled surveillance to stifle investigative journalism. This incident underscores the critical need for robust oversight mechanisms and legal frameworks to govern the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies. The ability of such tools to be potentially weaponized against individuals probing sensitive political issues highlights a systemic vulnerability. Future governance must balance national security imperatives with the fundamental rights to privacy and freedom of expression, ensuring that surveillance tools do not become instruments for silencing dissent or obstructing accountability.
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