The Expanding Scope of Graphite Surveillance

The controversy surrounding the Graphite spyware continues to deepen, with fresh information suggesting its use extended beyond initial admissions.While government security agencies have acknowledged owning the software, they deny using it to monitor the activists and journalists who have come forward as victims. Though, a new revelation indicates that Graphite was also employed to intercept individuals connected to illegal immigration networks, even in the absence of criminal activity.

Copasir Hearing and unpublished Data

Undersecretary to the Prime Minister, Alfredo Mantovano, is scheduled to reappear before the parliamentary committee Copasir, which oversees national security, this afternoon. The aim is to delve deeper into the Graphite case and identify those responsible for deploying the Israeli spyware against Italian journalists and activists.This inquiry runs parallel to investigations by five Italian prosecutors (Rome, naples, Bologna, Palermo, and Venice), coordinated by the National Anti-Mafia and Counter-Terrorism Directorate (DNA), following complaints from alleged victims. The Postal Police are leading the investigative efforts.

Focus on Illegal Immigration: A New Dimension

Recent hearings at Palazzo San Macuto revealed that both AISI (internal security agency) and AISE (external security agency) admitted to using Graphite, but denied targeting the aforementioned activists, including Luca Casarini of the NGO Saving Humans, its owner Beppe Caccia, and journalist Francesco Cancellato. However,sources now indicate that intelligence agencies also utilized the spyware to monitor individuals associated with illegal immigration,regardless of whether they had committed any crimes. This suggests a broader surveillance strategy aimed at identifying potential leads and gathering intelligence on immigration-related activities.

Legality and Authorization: Questions Remain

According to sources, the intelligence agencies maintain that thier activities involving Graphite were conducted legally, with the necessary authorizations from the relevant authorities.This implies that the Prosecutor General of Rome, responsible for approving preventive interception decrees, greenlit these operations. The Department for Security information (DIS) has also reportedly confirmed the services’ focus on immigration in its latest report.

This revelation raises critical questions: Who are these individuals linked to illegal immigration who were intercepted, even without criminal charges? And what were the justifications for these interceptions?

Contradictory Statements and Lingering Doubts

While AISI and AISE have denied targeting journalists and activists, the Prime Minister’s office has not explicitly ruled out the possibility of surveillance against activists. A statement from Palazzo Chigi on February 5 stated that journalists, protected under Law 124/2017, were not subjected to government control. Though, the statement remained silent on the issue of activists.

Furthermore, the ongoing legal debate surrounding law 124 adds another layer of complexity. the question remains whether interceptions for “functional guarantees” require only the Prime Minister’s authorization, bypassing the need for approval from the general Prosecutor.

Unanswered Questions and the Search for Truth

While the revelation about Graphite’s use in monitoring individuals linked to illegal immigration sheds new light on the case, it does not solve the overarching mystery. It confirms that Italian security services, the only entities to admit owning the spyware, have used it on individuals involved in immigration-related activities, an environment also frequented by the spied-on activists.With various agencies denying involvement in targeting activists and journalists, the question remains: who was responsible for these actions?

The ongoing examination aims to uncover the truth behind these unanswered questions.

Citizen Lab Report and international Implications

The Citizen Lab report, published by researchers at the University of Toronto in collaboration with Meta, has been submitted to prosecutors to provide further insights into the Graphite case.The report will also be presented to the European Parliament and the International Criminal Court, highlighting the international implications of this surveillance scandal.

Behind this case there are obviously the Libyan situation and the relationships between secret services. Large private groups that deal with oil and weapons and militias that manage power in that country may have had a role. we reiterate our public complaint of the espionage activities against human rights activists.
Saving Humans, Mediterranea

Saving Humans believes that the common thread connecting the victims of Graphite is the theme of migratory routes. Though, this does not explain why journalist Francesco Cancellato, who investigated the youth wing of fratelli d’Italia, was also targeted.This suggests a possible internal motive. The truth remains elusive, shrouded in secrecy and unanswered questions.