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Judge Orders Saudi Arabia to Pay £3 Million for Hacking

1/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A London judge ruled that Saudi Arabia must pay more than £3 million in damages to dissident Ghanem al-Masarir for assault and phone hacking.
Al-Masarir's phone was infected with Pegasus spyware.
He was attacked in 2018.
He expressed hope for compliance, noting that enforcement actions may follow if payment is not made.
The ruling highlights alleged Saudi human rights abuses, noting al-Masarir has faced depression and daily-life limitations.

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Story summary

A London judge ruled that Saudi Arabia must pay more than £3 million in damages to dissident Ghanem al-Masarir for assault and phone hacking.
Al-Masarir's phone was infected with Pegasus spyware.
He was attacked in 2018.
He expressed hope for compliance, noting that enforcement actions may follow if payment is not made.
The ruling highlights alleged Saudi human rights abuses, noting al-Masarir has faced depression and daily-life limitations.