Spain's CNI admits spying on former Catalan lawmakers with Pegasus

Spain's intelligence agency CNI has confirmed that it used the Pegasus surveillance software to monitor former Catalan parliamentarians from the pro‑independence CUP party. The agency acknowledged spying on ex‑deputy David Fernàndez from 18 December 2019 to 2 June 2020 and on former MP Carles Riera from 23 June 2020 to 24 May 2022. The operations were authorized by the Spanish Supreme Court and were classified as “activities contrary to national security,” a designation that was partially de‑classified on 29 June 2024.

The revelations stem from a lawsuit filed by Fernàndez, Riera and ex‑deputy Albert Botran, who allege widespread Pegasus surveillance of at least 65 figures linked to the Catalan independence movement. While CNI confirmed spying on Fernàndez and Riera, it denied targeting Botran. The case highlights concerns over judicial oversight and the use of intrusive technology against political activists.

“Activitats contràries a la Seguretat Nacional” – the phrase used to justify the surveillance – has drawn criticism from the plaintiffs, who argue it mirrors language once used by dictatorial regimes to legitimize rights violations.