Two Togolese journalists, currently facing trial for “defamation” against a minister, were reportedly targeted by the Pegasus spyware in 2021, according to media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Loic Lawson, director of the Flambeau des Democrates newspaper, and independent journalist Anani Sossou, known for their critical stance against President Faure Gnassingbe’s regime, experienced multiple instances of spyware intrusion on their phones, RSF stated in a report.
The Pegasus spyware, developed by Israel’s NSO Group, was allegedly used in the surveillance operation. Togo has faced accusations in the past of employing Pegasus against dissidents.
The Togolese government has not responded to requests for comment as of now. RSF initiated its investigation in December, coinciding with the journalists’ release from an 18-day detention for their earlier defamation claims against Minister Kodjo Adedze.
The trial opened on January 17, with the court referring the case to the Court of Appeal after declaring itself incompetent to judge.
This isn’t the first time Togo has been criticized for using Pegasus, with previous reports highlighting its use against regime critics and activists. President Faure Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005, succeeding his father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled for 38 years.
