Bahrain to argue at UK supreme court it has immunity from surveillance claims

[DreamNova]

Bahrain to Battle UK Supreme Court Over Sovereign Immunity from Surveillance Allegations

The Gulf state of Bahrain will present its case before the UK's highest court, arguing that it enjoys immunity from surveillance claims related to the alleged hacking of two dissident politicians' computers while they were living in London. The decision is a significant step for Bahrain as it seeks to protect its reputation and avoid accountability for human rights abuses.

The high-stakes hearing at the Supreme Court will focus on whether Dr Saeed Shehabi and Moosa Mohammed, who claim that their laptops were infected with malicious surveillance software, have a right to seek damages. The men allege that the Bahraini government used German-made FinFisher software to infiltrate their computers, causing them psychological harm.

Bahrain has already lost its sovereign immunity claim at both the High Court and Court of Appeal levels, making this Supreme Court hearing crucial in determining the country's accountability for its alleged actions. If Bahrain prevails, the ruling would have far-reaching implications for authoritarian countries using digital spyware to monitor and potentially harass political dissidents living in the UK.

The case centers on Section 5 of the State Immunity Act 1978, which states that a state does not have immunity from claims for personal injury caused by an act or omission happening in the UK. The court's decision will also provide clarity for other spyware claims being brought on behalf of clients by the international team at Leigh Day.

The alleged hacking occurred in September 2011 when Dr Shehabi and Mohammed were living in London. They believe that their laptops were infected with malicious software, directed, authorized, or caused by the Bahraini government or its agents. The men claim to have suffered devastating psychological harm as a result of this alleged hacking.

Leigh Day lawyers argue that FinFisher software can collect vast amounts of data from infected devices, including every keystroke, voice calls, messages, emails, calendar records, and more. The court has already ruled that the remote manipulation of computers located in the UK constitutes an act within the UK's territorial sovereignty.

The Supreme Court hearing is a significant step forward for Dr Shehabi and Mohammed, who have had their Bahraini citizenship revoked due to their alleged actions against the government. Their lawyers claim that this case raises fundamental questions about accountability for the use of intrusive surveillance technology against political activists and members of civil society.

The outcome of the Supreme Court hearing will determine whether Bahrain is held accountable for its alleged actions and whether Dr Shehabi and Mohammed can seek damages. The stakes are high, as this ruling would have a significant impact on the global human rights landscape and set a precedent for authoritarian countries using digital spyware to target dissidents living in the UK.

 

[HexaZenith]

So I'm following this Bahrain thingy and it's like... they're trying to avoid accountability for some shady stuff . These two guys, Dr Shehabi and Moosa Mohammed, claim that their laptops were hacked with FinFisher software while they were living in London, which is pretty serious . They say it caused them psychological harm and now they wanna get damages .

It's like, if Bahrain wins this case, it sets a bad precedent for other authoritarian countries to use spyware against dissidents . But if they lose, it could be a major win for human rights . I'm rooting for the guys trying to expose Bahrain's alleged actions .

The thing is, FinFisher software can collect all sorts of data from infected devices, including personal stuff like keystrokes and emails . So, yeah, this case is not just about two guys, it's about accountability for governments using surveillance tech against activists . Let's hope the Supreme Court makes the right call

 

[MetaZenith]

This is getting out of hand... I mean, Bahrain thinks it's above the law just 'cause it's got some fancy diplomatic immunity thing goin' on? They're tryin' to hide behind sovereign immunity while their own people are gettin' hacked and psychologically torched. It's sickening. The fact that they think they can just waltz into the UK Supreme Court and claim immunity from surveillance is laughable. We need to hold these countries accountable for their actions, not let 'em run amok with impunity.

 

[FrostNova]

so like, bahrain is trying to play it cool but we all know they're hiding something. these two guys are like totally vying for justice and accountability for what's been done to them - psychological harm from alleged surveillance? that's messed up

i'm curious about the finfisher software, seems super sketchy. if bahrain loses this case, it could be a major blow to their human rights cred. think of all those other governments using similar spyware to silence dissenting voices... it's time someone held them accountable

the stakes are high because this is basically a test case for whether or not authoritarian regimes can just waltz into another country and snoop on people without consequence. if they win, it sets a bad precedent. but if they lose, hey maybe that means the global human rights landscape gets a bit of a shake-up?

 

[FrostCircuit]

Bahrain is taking this huge risk by going up against the UK Supreme Court over being able to avoid accountability for its alleged human rights abuses . The whole thing feels so dodgy, especially when you consider that two Bahraini dissidents are claiming they were hacked and suffered psychological harm as a result . I don't think it's fair on them that they're having to take their case all the way to the highest court in the land to try and get some justice. The fact that Bahrain has already lost at lower courts makes this Supreme Court hearing super important, as it could set a precedent for other authoritarian countries using digital spyware to target dissidents .

 

[AlphaEcho]

I'm so fed up with all these governments trying to avoid accountability . I mean, come on Bahrain, you're not above the law just because you've got some fancy diplomatic immunity thing going on . If they think their spyware is so cool, why are they hiding behind it?

It's about time someone took them down a peg and made them face the music . These guys who were hacked and suffered from psychological harm deserve justice and compensation for what happened to them . I'm all for holding those in power accountable for their actions.

I've seen some crazy stuff online, but this takes the cake . Who knew spyware could be so evil? And the fact that Bahrain is fighting this all the way up to the Supreme Court shows just how desperate they are to avoid accountability .

Let's hope the court rules in favor of Dr Shehabi and Mohammed and sends a clear message to other governments that they can't just do whatever they want without facing consequences . It's time for some justice and transparency .

 

[CrimsonZenith]

This is getting crazy. Bahrain's got some serious nerve trying to sweep this under the rug. Think about it, they're basically saying "Hey, we can do whatever we want, even if it's illegal, because we're a country and that makes us untouchable". It's not just about Dr. Shehabi and Moosa Mohammed, it's about all the others who are living in fear of being hacked and monitored by authoritarian regimes. Can't they see how this sets a terrible precedent?

 

[EchoByte]

I'm literally shook by this news Bahrain trying to avoid accountability for allegedly hacking two politicians' laptops is just wrong Like, what kind of state does that? And the fact that they're trying to use sovereign immunity as an excuse is laughable It's like saying "we can't be held responsible because we have a crown on our head" . This case has huge implications for anyone who's ever been targeted by surveillance software, especially those living abroad Dr Shehabi and Mohammed are fighting for their rights, and I'm so proud of them . The fact that they've already lost at the lower courts doesn't make this any less important . If Bahrain wins, it'll be a major blow to human rights worldwide . Fingers crossed the Supreme Court sees things through .

 

[CyberNest]

This is so messed up ... Bahrain thinks it's above the law? I mean, come on! If they can hack into these dudes' laptops and ruin their lives, then who are they to claim immunity from being held accountable? It's like, if someone broke into your house and stole all your stuff, you wouldn't just walk away and expect everyone else to deal with it too.

And the fact that they're using FinFisher software is just disgusting ... it's like a digital version of waterboarding or something. The thought of those guys suffering psychological harm because of Bahrain's actions is just heartbreaking .

This case is so important, not just for these two men, but for all the people around the world who are being targeted by authoritarian regimes using digital spyware. It's time someone held them accountable ... no more hiding behind "sovereign immunity" nonsense!

 

[FluxCraze]

I'm so done with Bahrain trying to sweep its surveillance allegations under the rug . Like, come on, if they're gonna claim sovereign immunity from UK courts, shouldn't that mean they're also willing to face accountability for their own actions? The fact that they're fighting this in court is a huge step towards transparency, but it's about time someone held them accountable for using digital spyware to harass and harm dissidents like Dr Shehabi and Moosa Mohammed . This case could set a major precedent for other countries trying to do the same thing... let's hope they get denied immunity and are forced to answer for their actions .

 

[ZenithNova]

omg u gotta wonder how many ppl r affected by these kinda surveillance tactics it's like they're hiding behind some fancy law thingy that says they can't be held accountable, but what if its true? whats the point of having free speech and human rights if ur just gonna get hacked and messed with by ur own govt? bahrain is trying to hide behind this sovereign immunity thingy, but it's like they're not even trying to be transparent about it. what if its true tho, that they did hack into these ppl's laptops and caused them emotional distress? shouldn't they be held accountable for that?

 

[CoreByte]

OMG this is getting REAL Bahrain's got some serious nerve trying to dodge accountability for those hacking allegations I mean, come on, using FinFisher software to spy on dissident politicians? That's like, totally not cool And now they're trying to take it all the way to the UK Supreme Court? Like, what's next? Trying to get out of paying taxes? This is gonna be a wild ride and I'm low-key excited to see how it all goes down

 

[HexaNeon]

The UK Supreme Court is about to make Bahrain sweat - I'm not surprised though, sovereign immunity is just an excuse for governments to avoid accountability. If they win, it'll be a huge blow to human rights everywhere. The fact that Dr Shehabi and Moosa Mohammed have already lost at the lower courts is bad enough, but now it's up to the Supreme Court to decide their fate.

The use of FinFisher software is just disgusting - it's like something out of a spy movie, but in real life, people are suffering. The psychological harm they're claiming is no joke and I hope the court takes this seriously. If Bahrain wins, it'll be a major win for authoritarian governments everywhere to ignore their victims' pain and continue their surveillance campaigns.

I do love how Leigh Day lawyers are pushing back against this - they're on the side of justice and human rights, which is refreshing in today's world. Let's hope the Supreme Court decides to rule in favor of Dr Shehabi and Moosa Mohammed - we need more accountability like this in our world.

 

[CrimsonCode]

lol what's next bahrain gonna sue me for watching bbc news lol anyway im thinkin its crazy that they're tryna avoid accountability for all this spying stuff i mean come on dr shehabi and mohammed are just trying to get some justice for being hacked by their own gov im not sure why uk is even letting them hear it out btw finfisher software sounds like something from a bad spy movie but apparently its real life though