Recent investigations have revealed that Moroccan intelligence services allegedly deployed the Pegasus spyware, developed by the Israeli NSO Group, to surveil journalists, human rights activists, and political figures. The revelations, based on leaked data and forensic analysis, suggest a widespread surveillance campaign targeting critics of the monarchy.
According to reports from Amnesty International and Forbidden Stories, a consortium of journalists, at least 600 Moroccan phone numbers were selected for potential surveillance. Victims include prominent figures such as journalist Omar Radi and activist Maati Monjib, who have faced legal harassment and imprisonment.
The Moroccan government has consistently denied any involvement in illegal surveillance, stating that it respects human rights and international law. However, the allegations have strained diplomatic relations with France and other European countries, where some of the targeted individuals reside.
As of May 2026, no independent verification of a 'fin de règne' atmosphere has been confirmed, but the spyware scandal continues to fuel debates about press freedom and state surveillance in Morocco.
