kathimerini.gr
Greek Prosecutor Archives Predator Spyware Case, Leaving Key Questions Unanswered
A Greek prosecutor archived complaints regarding Predator spyware sent via a prepaid card, concluding that the card's owner, a supermarket employee, was not involved. However, the card was linked to 225 Predator installation attempts targeting high-profile figures.
- What steps were taken to investigate the misuse of the prepaid card, and why was the investigation deemed sufficient to close the case?
- The investigation revealed that the prepaid card was used in 225 attempts to install Predator spyware, targeting prominent figures like the former Prime Minister and government ministers. Despite the dismissal, the unanswered question remains: who misused the card and why? This raises concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation.
- Who misused the prepaid card used to send SMS messages containing Predator spyware, and what were the implications of this misuse for those targeted?
- A prepaid card used to send SMS messages containing Predator spyware was investigated, leading to the dismissal of complaints filed by Nikos Androulakis and journalist Thanassis Koukakis. The prosecutor concluded the card's owner, a supermarket employee, was not involved, suggesting a third party misused the card. This finding is considered improbable given the scale of surveillance.
- What systemic issues concerning the use of spyware and the investigation of such incidents does this case reveal, and what measures could be implemented to prevent future occurrences?
- The case highlights a failure to identify the individual responsible for using the prepaid card to deploy Predator spyware. The lack of investigation into the misuse of the card, despite its connection to widespread surveillance, raises serious questions about accountability and the effectiveness of the judicial process. Future incidents may be handled similarly, leaving perpetrators unpunished.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the narrative to emphasize the improbability of the supermarket employee's guilt, leading the reader to question the adequacy of the investigation and insinuate a cover-up. The headline (if there were one) and introduction would likely reinforce this perspective. The focus on the employee's profession ('biopalastis' - someone barely making a living) and the repeated use of terms like 'apithano' (improbable) shape the reader's perception.
Language Bias
The article uses charged language, such as 'katarrrakwnon' (that shatters), 'eyfantasto senario' (fanciful scenario), and 'apithano' (improbable), to express skepticism towards the prosecutor's decision. This loaded language influences the reader's perception of the investigation's credibility. Neutral alternatives could include 'unexpected', 'unconventional', or 'unlikely' instead of 'improbable' and descriptive terms for the prosecutor's conclusion instead of 'fanciful scenario'.
Bias by Omission
The article omits the investigation details of how the prepaid card was used to send the SMS messages containing surveillance software. While acknowledging the prosecutor's conclusion that a supermarket employee had no involvement, the article doesn't delve into the investigative steps taken to reach this conclusion. The lack of details surrounding the investigation makes it difficult to assess the validity of the prosecutor's finding. Further, the article focuses on the improbability of a supermarket employee being involved in surveillance, rather than presenting a thorough account of the investigation process itself.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the situation as either the supermarket employee being guilty or the case being a cover-up. It ignores the possibility of other scenarios, such as a third party obtaining the card information without the employee's knowledge or involvement, or investigative failures.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a case where investigations into alleged surveillance using Predator software were archived without identifying the perpetrator, raising concerns about the effectiveness of justice systems in addressing such serious issues. The failure to uncover the truth undermines public trust in institutions and the rule of law, hindering progress towards SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).