Khashoggi Widow Demands French Investigation Into Spyware Phone Hacks Before His Death

The widow of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi has initiated legal proceedings in France, alleging that Saudi Arabia hacked her phone using spyware developed by an Israeli company before Khashoggi’s murder.

Details of the Complaint

Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggi’s wife, filed the complaint in a Paris court, asserting that the hacking took place weeks prior to Khashoggi’s death in October 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The spyware reportedly accessed personal data and communications from her smartphones, which aided Saudi operatives in monitoring Khashoggi’s movements and communications.

Objectives of the Legal Action

The legal team aims to:

• Uncover the full scope of the hacking
• Determine the involvement of the Saudi government
• Call for an official investigation into the spyware usage and its links to Khashoggi’s assassination

Background on Jamal Khashoggi’s Case

Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, triggering international outrage. Although several suspects have been charged in Saudi Arabia, critics argue that the investigation lacks transparency and independence.

Jurisdiction and Significance

France has jurisdiction over the case because Hatice Cengiz holds French residency and the spyware attack occurred while she was in France. This situation highlights:

• Privacy violations and misuse of advanced technology for political espionage
• Growing global concerns about spyware abuses targeting journalists, dissidents, and activists
• A broader quest for justice transcending national borders

Challenges Ahead

The French justice system must navigate complex cyber surveillance evidence intertwined with international political dynamics to deliver a thorough examination.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing case with Questiqa Europe News.

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