The phone spyware scandal, often likened to Greece's Watergate, has thrust the nation into a legal turmoil. Allegations have surfaced revealing that spyware was used to target the mobile devices of not only journalists but also government ministers and military officials. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has labeled the situation as a scandal; however, critics assert that attempts to obscure the truth by the government are rampant.
Recent court proceedings have begun where a low-ranking judge is set to hear the case against two Italians and two Greeks connected to the controversial spyware, Predator, which is said to have been marketed for unlawful surveillance activities.
In the summer of 2022, Nikos Androulakis, the current leader of the Pasok party and an MEP at the time, discovered he had become a victim of this spyware following alerts from EU Parliament IT experts. This specific spyware, which can unlock extensive access to a phone's functionalities, has raised alarm bells about privacy and security within the nation.
Despite the resignation of key officials - including the head of Greece's National Intelligence Service (EYP) and close aides of the Prime Minister, the inquiries into government ties with Predator have seemingly stalled. Notably, the Greek Supreme Court reported no discernible links between government officials and the misuse of the spyware, igniting further skepticism around governmental accountability.
The scandal has prompted scrutiny from various international entities including the European Parliament, which has initiated its own inquiries into the situation, dubbing it a critical example of governmental overreach and abuse of power.
As proceedings unfold, voices questioning the integrity and operations of the Greek government grow louder, with many calling for transparency in matters of surveillance and citizen privacy.
