SloveniaThe article reports that former European Parliament member Stelios Kouloglou was hacked using the Pegasus surveillance software by unknown actors during his involvement in the PEGA investigation committee. Researchers from the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto confirmed that Kouloglou’s phone was infected at least twice—once in October 2022 and again between March 6–7, 2023—during critical phases of the investigation. The attacks coincide with the committee’s efforts to examine how governments misuse surveillance technology. Kouloglou, a former investigative journalist, highlights the threat to the confidentiality of parliamentary work, as Pegasus could expose sensitive communications. While the report does not attribute the attacks to any specific government, it points to similarities with previously documented campaigns targeting journalists and activists in Europe. Sophie and 't Veld, a former EU lawmaker involved in the committee, criticizes the lack of action by the European Commission to address such abuses despite numerous cases involving politicians, including the President of the European Parliament.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the hacking incident, citing research from Citizen Lab and quoting Kouloglou and Sophie and 't Veld. It avoids taking sides on who is responsible, focusing on the implications for democratic processes rather than promoting a particular ideological stance. S
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): The article reports on the hacking of former MEP Stelios Kouloglou's phone with Pegasus, citing Citizen Lab's findings and aligning with cross-source consensus. It provides specific dates and context about the investigation phases, showing good factual support. However, the tone leans slightly towar
