Human rights activist targeted amid Libya-migrant controversy

David Yambio,an Italy-based human rights activist and co-founder of Refugees in Libya,revealed on February 11 that his phone was targeted by spyware. Yambio’s organization works with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to collect evidence of abuse suffered by migrants in Libyan detention Centres. Yambio,who was once a detainee at the Mitiga prison in Tripoli,has long criticized the Italian Government’s controversial migrant pact with Libya,including its decision to release Osama Najim,a Libyan police chief wanted by the ICC for war crimes. Yambio himself is a victim of the abuses linked to Najim.

The spyware attack on Yambio followed a larger investigation into similar breaches affecting 90 individuals,including journalists and activists critical of Italy’s dealings with Libya. The spyware,reportedly created by the Israel-based Paragon Solutions,is designed to remotely compromise mobile devices.

Yambio was informed by Apple in November that his phone had been specifically targeted by a mercenary spyware attack. Despite the attack,Apple did not specify which type of spyware was used,but experts suspect it may be linked to the same software that was used in previous breaches affecting WhatsApp users.

This spyware attack on Yambio has raised political implications for those involved,especially regarding the protection of ICC witnesses. Yambio,fearing for his safety and the safety of his loved ones,expressed his concerns about being targeted due to his human rights activism and the sensitive nature of his work. The controversy surrounding the release of Najim and the ongoing tensions between Italy and Libya continue to put Yambio in the crosshairs,as the ICC investigates the actions of the Italian government in relation to Najim’s repatriation.