Former Polish PM questioned over spyware allegations in parliament
A former Polish prime minister is set to testify before a special parliamentary committee Friday about his government’s purchase and allegedly illegal use of advanced spyware
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A former Polish prime minister is set to testify before a special parliamentary committee Friday about his government's purchase and allegedly illegal use of advanced spyware.
The NSO Group's Pegasus spyware was used to spy on mobile devices belonging to opponents of the governing Law and Justice Party. Recent findings suggest it was also used to eavesdrop on some key members of the right-wing party, as well.
The revelations, first reported by the Associated Press in 2021, shocked Poland and added to the European Union's concerns that the Law and Justice government was undermining the rule of law.
Jaroslaw Kaczynski was prime minister in 2006-2007, but continued to play a key role in Poland’s politics after leaving the job office, especially when his Law and Justice party ruled again in 2015-2023. He was considered Poland's most powerful politician during the period the spyware was used and held a variety of posts, including deputy prime minister for security.
