Saudi authorities use Israeli programs to spy on political activists abroad

SANAA, Oct. 3 (YPA) – The Saudi authorities have used Israeli technological techniques to spy on activists and its political opponents abroad, The “Times of Israel” website reported.

According to the website, The Herzliya-based NSO Group developed the controversial Pegasus spyware program, which turns smartphones into listening devices.

The Israeli technology used to spy on Omar Abdul Aziz, a 27-year-old Saudi dissident who sought asylum in Canada; the website quoted a Canadian-based Citizen in lab as saying.

The Israeli NSO Group has insisted in the past that it sells its programs (software) to costumers on the condition that they well be used only against crime and terrorism.

It also has denied bearing any responsibility in cases that these are used against civil rights abuses by governments.

E.M