Saudi satirist wins damages in court after Pegasus spyware hacking incident

London: A London High Court gave Ghanem Al-Masarir, a Saudi satirist, more than £3 million. They found he had strong proof that his phone was hacked. The hacking used a special tool called Pegasus. This spyware is sold to governments only.

Al-Masarir, known for his funny YouTube videos about Saudi Arabia, sued the Saudi government in 2019. He said his phone was targeted in 2018. At that time, he was also attacked in London. He believes agents for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did this. Researchers found that attacks like these often happen with digital tools like Pegasus.

The comedian said these problems caused him serious sadness. Because of this, he had to stop making YouTube videos. Saudi Arabia said it should not be sued, claiming state immunity. They had used this defense in a past case about the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. However, the High Court said Saudi Arabia could be sued in Al-Masarir’s case. After this decision, the Kingdom did not join the case anymore.

Justice Pushpinder Saini stated there was clear proof that Al-Masarir’s phones were hacked. He wrote that officials from the Saudi government likely allowed this. The judge also said they probably had a part in Al-Masarir’s physical attack.

It’s unclear if Saudi Arabia will pay Al-Masarir or appeal the decision. A spokesperson for NSO Group, which makes the Pegasus spyware, and a representative for the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not respond quickly to requests for comments.