The EU lawmakers investigate Italian surveillance case

The LIBE committee will meet with victims and officials as Italy faces surveillance claims.

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A delegation from the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) will visit Rome on 30 May to examine the unfolding controversy surrounding the use of Paragon’s spyware in Italy.

The mission will be led by Sandro Ruotolo, a member of the European Parliament, and will include meetings with surveillance victims, press representatives, and members of the parliamentary committee responsible for intelligence oversight, known as COPASIR.

The Israeli-developed surveillance software, Graphite, produced by Paragon, is at the centre of the investigation. Reports allege that the tool was used to monitor investigative journalists and NGO activists in Italy, sparking national concern and leading to the termination of Italy’s agreement with the company.

Despite public pressure for clarity, the Italian government has declined to release additional information, stating that any clarifications would be delivered exclusively to COPASIR, which is currently evaluating the claims.

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