IJU expresses concern over Pegasus surveillance

New Delhi: Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has expressed concern over the surveillance of at least 40 journalists, among 300 others, including Opposition leaders, ministers, constitutional authorities, activists, through hacking of their phones by Israeli Pegasus spyware.

“The snooping on journalists, is not just a breach of their right to privacy like any other citizen, but worse seriously compromises their sources, amounting to stifling independent and investigative journalism,” said the Union.

The Union also demanded the government come clean on the issue, order a judicial probe and refrain from yet another form of intimidation of journalists, specially those critical of its governance.

“The government trying to wash its hands off the snooping scandal by suggesting the Pegasus report was to ‘malign the Indian democracy’ was far-fetched and unacceptable. More so, given that NSO claims it sells exclusively to vetted government clients.” – IANS