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Husam El Gomati, a Sweden-based Libyan activist critical of Italy's dealings with Libya’s coastguard, was alerted by WhatsApp that his mobile phone may have been compromised by military-grade spyware developed by Paragon Solutions, an Israeli firm. The breach, which also potentially affected 89 other activists and journalists, was disclosed by WhatsApp in late December 2024, raising concerns over the use of advanced cyberweapons by European governments, according to a report by The Guardian. El Gomati, known for his investigations into illegal migration networks and militia connections in Libya, expressed fears for the safety of his confidential sources. He described Paragon’s spyware, known as Graphite, as a significant threat, enabling perpetrators to access users' private messages and information. He emphasized the implications for activists working against corruption, stating, "These matters can mean the difference between life and death." While Paragon Solutions declined to comment, a source indicated the company has around 35 government clients. El Gomati's case follows an alert received by investigative journalist Francesco Cancellato, further indicating widespread concerns regarding spyware use.

Donald Trump Jr. has sparked controversy after a hunting excursion in the lagoon of Venice, where he reportedly killed a rare duck species. A video released by Trump Jr. shows him shooting waterfowl in a protected area, which has drawn ire from local politicians and wildlife advocates. According to Andrea Zanoni, a local politician in Venice, the bird appears to be a Wigeon, which is protected under both Italian and European law, making its killing a crime. Zanoni has announced plans to pursue legal action against Trump Jr. for this incident, stating, “Venice and Italy are not the property of the USA,” emphasizing that hunting in the protected zone is prohibited for foreigners. The uproar began when the online magazine "Field Ethos," which Trump Jr. contributes to, posted the hunting video titled "The Global Hunt for Adventure." As the debate escalates, Italian authorities have stated that they will “handle the matter in a timely manner.” Trump Jr. has yet to comment on the situation.

Husam El Gomati, a Sweden-based Libyan activist, has reported being targeted by military-grade spyware associated with Paragon Solutions, an Israeli firm. The intrusion, discovered by WhatsApp in late December, reportedly affects El Gomati and 89 other activists and journalists, raising concerns over the misuse of cyberweapons by European governments. According to WhatsApp, the spyware could have compromised devices without the users' knowledge. El Gomati, who has been vocal against Italy’s collaboration with Libya’s coastguard to curb illegal migration, expressed concerns for the safety of his sources in Libya. He highlighted that the spyware, named Graphite, grants total access to the targeted device, including encrypted communication. “These matters can mean the difference between life and death,” he stated. He alerted the media following a WhatsApp notification that he was likely compromised, coinciding with the publication of sensitive documents related to migration networks and Italian intelligence. The Italian government has not commented on these allegations, and the identities of the clients behind the spyware usage remain unclear.