Nostr notes by Statewatch

Two human rights activists, Panayote Dimitras and Tommy Olsen, ...

2026-10-06T08:55:29Z

Two human rights activists, Panayote Dimitras and Tommy Olsen, face up to 20 years in prison for their work reporting on distress cases and arrivals of migrants and refugees to Greece.

The case also targets two Cameroonian asylum seekers after they arrived by boat on the island of Kos. One for steering, the other for allegedly organising the transportation.

If that doesn't sound right to you—good. It shouldn't.

Read more in the article by Melissa Pawson: https://statewatch.org/news/2026/october/greece-rights-defenders-on-trial-for-supporting-refugees-and-migrants/

The head of the UK’s College of Policing said the police need ...

2026-09-25T07:30:06Z

The head of the UK’s College of Policing said the police need AI injected into their daily work “like heroin into the bloodstream.” He also thinks the National Centre for AI in Policing should spread AI tools “like wildfire through policing.”

According to Probable Futures research project, police forces are experimenting with 70 AI technologies in total.

This is without any laws, regulations, oversight or transparency to govern the use of this tech. Read more: https://statewatch.org/news/2026/august/england-and-wales-growing-gap-between-power-and-regulation-of-police-ai/

We’ve obtained and published an “action file” on Syria, ...

2026-09-24T11:25:13Z

We’ve obtained and published an “action file” on Syria, which shows that the EU is planning to deport more people there.

This isn’t just a document. It reveals the EU’s attempts to exert its influence while the country’s political situation is still precarious.

Find out what's in the file: https://statewatch.org/news/2026/september/new-files-reveal-eu-plans-to-accelerate-deportations-to-syria/

In 2023 Spanish agents went undercover to join political and ...

2026-08-20T09:00:39Z

In 2023 Spanish agents went undercover to join political and social movements as “intelligence agents”.

The Catalan newspaper La Directa exposed them—and made their identities public.

Now, the Spanish Data Protection Agency has demanded La Directa remove this information and pay a fine of up to €7,000.

Together, we must support the efforts to expose unjust police behaviour. That's why we have signed a statement in support of La Directa.

Read more: https://statewatch.org/news/2026/august/spain-newspaper-that-exposed-undercover-police-operations-faces-lawsuit/

Within two years of October 2023, the number of contracts between ...

2026-08-12T10:11:05Z

Within two years of October 2023, the number of contracts between Israeli companies and public institutions in the EU grew to 112.

The total value in that period is estimated at nearly €1.6 billion.

As the value of many contracts has been kept secret, we can't know for sure who the biggest spenders are.

European taxpayers should demand that their money not be handed to a genocidal state. Together, we must demand that public institutions uphold justice.

Read more: https://buff.ly/mfMcMfk

A recent academic project, Probable Futures, mapped 70 uses of AI ...

2026-08-05T16:24:12Z

A recent academic project, Probable Futures, mapped 70 uses of AI in the criminal justice system. These range from emergency call handling and evidence assessment to crime ‘prediction’ and automated analysis of video footage.

A report published by the project in June warns of “an increasing gap between technological capability and the conditions required for its legitimate, reliable, and responsible use.”

These schemes see people brought into European countries—often ...

2026-08-04T15:24:16Z

In reply to nevent1q…yeam
_________________________

These schemes see people brought into European countries—often after they pay significant up-front costs—to fill labour vacancies with minimal protections and visas tied to their employment.

We've just posted an article submitted to us by a contributor, Stevan Tatalović, focused on how these schemes are benefitting the Western Balkans and what it means for migration policy in Europe.

Read it here: https://statewatch.org/news/2026/august/the-commodification-of-migrant-labour-in-europe-and-the-western-balkans/

The border has not disappeared—it has been transformed. ...

2026-08-04T15:24:15Z

The border has not disappeared—it has been transformed.

Politicians talk about the need for "legal migration pathways" (while at the same time pushing deportations) and development agencies apparently have the answer:

Circular Labour Mobility Schemes.

These schemes are usually presented as neutral, evidence-based responses to both labour shortages and the need for migration pathways.

And yet, the reality is they are putting more people into precarious and exploitative positions.

Police in England and Wales are already using live facial ...

2026-06-12T09:00:53Z

Police in England and Wales are already using live facial recognition (LFR) to scan millions of faces. But they are planning for more.

This is despite the fact that there is currently no legislation governing the use of LFR.

Right now, a law is said to be on the way, but it likely won't be enough.

Read more about the government's plans: https://statewatch.org/news/2026/june/england-police-use-of-facial-recognition-technology-growing-rapidly/
Take action: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-scanning-us-all-with-facial-recognition

Just leaked: New agreement between EU naval mission and Libya’s ...

2026-05-28T12:53:36Z

Just leaked: New agreement between EU naval mission and Libya’s eastern forces (link below)

In short, this proves the EU is beginning formal cooperation with Haftar and his military. It builds on existing cooperation with forces in the West to increase the surveillance and interception of people attempting to leave for Europe.

Use whatever platform you have to speak out against this cooperation.

You can read and share the document, here: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2026/may/revealed-eu-agreement-to-expand-deadly-migration-cooperation-with-libya-s-eastern-forces/

The latest issue of the Institute of Race Relation's ...

2026-05-12T11:21:15Z

The latest issue of the Institute of Race Relation's publication "Race & Class" reviews a supposedly “green” and “pro-women’s safety” UNHCR project.

The project is a part of their Refugee Environmental Protection (REP) Fund and uses refugee labour in the Global South to generate carbon credits to be traded on global markets.

The Race & Class issue argues that what the project is really doing is abusing refugee labour to generate carbon credits.

We've just published the Commission's proposal for EU-US ...

2026-05-04T17:30:23Z

We've just published the Commission's proposal for EU-US data exchange. What they suggest would violate EU law.

Anyone’s data exchanged under this proposed agreement could be used for a wide range of purposes. This includes preventing or arresting people travelling to the USA who have voiced opposition to US policies in Europe, or for automated discriminatory profiling of travellers.

Access the document and read the full analysis by Romain Lanneau:
https://www.statewatch.org/analyses/2026/eu-us-data-exchange-proposal-in-conflict-with-eu-laws/

The 14th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now. This ...

2026-03-04T15:24:56Z

The 14th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now.

This month’s bulletin contains details about the EU's newest plan for 'degressive’ reintegration support, other means of ‘incentivising’ self-deportations, and twenty newly-obtained Council documents.

As ever, we hope this bulletin brings some clarity. If you would like to recieve the bulletin and our detailed overview straight to your inbox, sign up to our mailing list here: https://www.statewatch.org/outsourcing-borders-monitoring-eu-externalisation-policy/mailing-list/

Will you help us improve our work? We've put together a ...

2026-03-02T13:10:47Z

Will you help us improve our work?

We've put together a survey on our work in 2025 to understand what you got out of it and how we can improve.

It should only take you a few minutes, but it will be a huge help for us!

Fill it out here: https://statewcloud.gn.apc.org/index.php/apps/forms/s/E59gc8qDcwH8Wx577RtLBS9p

The EU must withdraw all provisions to expand and normalise ...

2026-02-17T13:22:09Z

The EU must withdraw all provisions to expand and normalise immigration raids and surveillance measures under the proposed Deportation (“Return”) Regulation.

This is why we joined 87 other organisations in a statement calling on policymakers, public authorities, public service workers, civil society organisations and communities across Europe to reject detection in all its forms.

Read the statement: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2026/february/joint-statement-condemning-eu-law-enabling-home-raids-policing-of-public-services-and-racial-profiling/
Read the article by nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnyd968gmewwp6kyqpqevwl9lw6m6lmqemft5dw5u2s99g5swfy5apw766f0u7lxpmmt09q3w6gy8 (nprofile…6gy8): https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/16/eu-deportations-plan-ice-style-enforcement-rights-groups-warn

We've just published a document that details the EU's ...

2026-01-15T14:50:12Z

We've just published a document that details the EU's disturbing plans to expand cross-border travel surveillance.

Here is an overview:
• Plans are being discussed to extend police data collection to sea, rail and road travel.
• Governments want to use travel data for new purposes, such as immigration control.
• Changes could bypass necessary safeguards laid down by the EU Court of Justice
• A working group to discuss plans has been set up

Read more: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2026/eu-member-states-want-to-expand-police-surveillance-of-travel/

Are the EU's border policy plans similar to the US? Listen in ...

2026-01-08T11:07:56Z

Are the EU's border policy plans similar to the US?

Listen in as Statewatch journalist Frey Lindsay shares the answer on Lagos Talks radio.

Want to help change the direction? Follow our bulletin, Outsourcing borders, here: https://www.statewatch.org/outsourcing-borders-monitoring-eu-externalisation-policy/mailing-list/

UK: A recent court case has exposed Nick Gratwick as a private ...

2025-12-18T16:39:11Z

UK: A recent court case has exposed Nick Gratwick as a private spy known as ‘Radio Nick’.

The UK police had hired him to infiltrate animal rights and environmental campaign groups for almost a decade.

Now, a new report by the Undercover Research Group's Eveline Lubbers and Donal O’Driscoll details Gratwick’s activities throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Read the details of the report here: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/december/uk-radio-nick-a-private-spy-hired-by-the-police/

As state powers of repression are globalised, so too must our ...

2025-12-12T10:00:17Z

As state powers of repression are globalised, so too must our resistance, advocacy and collaboration.

We released our research, Networks of [in]security (NOIS), as a living resource to help us do that. We hope you consider this resource as an invitation to use these findings, ask questions, expose harms, and challenge the spread of surveillance tools.

Read more and get in contact: https://buff.ly/MbWx0na

Governments are increasingly engaging in transnational ...

2025-12-05T14:01:09Z

Governments are increasingly engaging in transnational repression: reaching across borders to silence dissent from afar.

This can include assassinations, illegal deportations, abductions, digital threats, Interpol abuse, and family intimidation.

With more states being connected to watchlisting systems and more governments with an authoritarian bent coming to power, transnational repression seems likely to continue.

Unless we work together to oppose it.

Read more: nois.statewatch.org

According Info Park, an organisation in Belgrade, Serbia, people ...

2025-12-04T10:36:52Z

According Info Park, an organisation in Belgrade, Serbia, people on the move along the Western Balkan route face a cycle of of detention, transfers, and endless reattempts.

The EU's new pact on migration will only worsen these brutal realities.

Info Park makes it clear: border externalisation, like the “migration management” complex it is a part of, is not a neutral administrative tool.

It is a political project of exclusion.

Read more: https://www.statewatch.org/analyses/2025/how-the-eu-migration-pact-will-increase-harms-in-serbia-and-along-the-balkan-route/

The “war on terror” might have left the headlines—but ...

2025-12-02T10:00:25Z

The “war on terror” might have left the headlines—but states are still using and abusing ‘counterterrorism’ powers to exert control.

Through watchlisting, surveillance and border control, they have built vast networks of [in]security. With these, they silence, oppress, and restrict the movement of people all over the world.

And for the past two years, we have been gathering evidence to show exactly how they do it.

Swipe to read some of our key findings, or go to nois.statewatch.org

1/ We’ve just launched a new in-depth resource that examines ...

2025-11-27T14:02:31Z

1/ We’ve just launched a new in-depth resource that examines global counter-terrorism and security networks.

It provides an evidence base for how these security norms are implemented, their effects on human rights and how we can push for change.

Background:

From the beginning of the “war on terror”, governments introduced many policing and surveillance powers. Since then, these have been increasingly exploited to restrict dissent, movement, and critique.

In October 2024 the EU announced it would provide €30 million ...

2025-11-20T08:15:11Z

In October 2024 the EU announced it would provide €30 million from its aid budget to Senegal.

Claims about the funding say it will go toward stepping up the fight against migrant smuggling. This means it will support:
• border surveillance and control
• maritime interception
• detention infrastructure

Ultimately, the plans can be seen as contributing to a new era of carceral EU migration “management” in West Africa.

Read more in the latest article by Leonie Jegen:

https://www.statewatch.org/analyses/2025/exporting-carceral-migration-management-30-million-from-the-eu-to-senegal-for-migration-control/

According to a document we obtained, EU member states seem ready ...

2025-11-17T11:41:28Z

According to a document we obtained, EU member states seem ready to give US law enforcement authorities direct access to European police and immigration databases.

They may also be seeking access to other EU databases — a level of access that would be unprecedented for a 'third country'.

While some member states have concerns over specifics, none question the need for such an agreement.

Read more:

The use of personal data in the EU’s border, immigration and ...

2025-11-13T11:00:33Z

The use of personal data in the EU’s border, immigration and asylum regimes has intensified over the last decade, and the dangers of inaccurate data have worsened.

Data protection law is a crucial tool for immigration and asylum practitioners up against this increasing ‘datafication’. Its avenues for redress offer alternative paths to justice for those who might otherwise be without options.

If you'd like to understand paths, get our Data Protection Handbook, here: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/october/eu-new-handbook-offers-guide-to-privacy-and-data-protection-for-immigration-and-asylum-practitioners/

Why should you care about data protection law? Because as the EU ...

2025-11-07T16:07:26Z

Why should you care about data protection law? Because as the EU increases its datafication, we need to equip ourselves to protect our data.

Get the handbook now: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/october/eu-new-handbook-offers-guide-to-privacy-and-data-protection-for-immigration-and-asylum-practitioners/

The 10th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now 🚨 ...

2025-10-09T14:00:15Z

The 10th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now 🚨

This edition covers:
• Progress on EU plans for major migration routes
• Proposal for joint counter-trafficking work by Frontex and Egypt
• Growing EU role in migration control efforts in Côte d’Ivoire
• And much more.

Find the full issue:
https://www.statewatch.org/outsourcing-borders-monitoring-eu-externalisation-policy/bulletin-10/

Sign up to our mailing list to receive the next issue in your inbox:
https://www.statewatch.org/outsourcing-borders-monitoring-eu-externalisation-policy/

Last year, the EU adopted new rules against money laundering and ...

2025-10-06T17:30:17Z

Last year, the EU adopted new rules against money laundering and terrorist financing—which open the door for rights violations, discrimination, and privacy infringement.

The organisation Privacy First is urging the Dutch government to promote the removal of certain elements of the the new rules and ensure the protection of fundament rights, privacy and safeguards.

Read more: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/september/more-profiling-and-surveillance-under-new-eu-anti-money-laundering-rules/

The Srebrenica massacre remains the only event on European soil ...

2025-10-02T15:30:15Z

The Srebrenica massacre remains the only event on European soil since the Holocaust to be formally recognised as genocide.

In a tale all too familiar, it unfolded as Europe looked on.

Read more in the article by Eliana Nunes: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/september/bosnia-and-herzegovina-a-society-that-has-gone-through-a-genocide-is-more-prone-to-it-happening-again/

Austria’s parliament has passed a law to legalise spyware for ...

2025-07-28T09:01:04Z

Austria’s parliament has passed a law to legalise spyware for state use — despite strong opposition.

The new law would allow police to install malware on people’s phones or computers.
Officials say it will only be used to read encrypted messages, but experts are clear: there is no way to stop this malware from accessing other private data.

Civil society organisations and opposition parties have promised to challenge the law in court.

Read more: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/july/austria-legalises-state-spyware-amidst-strong-opposition/

From American tech giants to Israeli surveillance firms, ...

2025-07-22T09:00:23Z

From American tech giants to Israeli surveillance firms, corporations are building—and profiting from—systems that criminalise communities.

Our latest report outlines:
• Palantir’s €2.87 billion empire built on predictive policing tools
• Briefcam’s video AI systems, exported from Israel to EU law enforcement
• Eurocop’s 100+ contracts with Spanish authorities

📄 Learn more in our report, New Technologies, Old Injustice: https://www.statewatch.org/publications/reports-and-books/new-technology-old-injustice-data-driven-discrimination-and-profiling-in-police-and-prisons-in-europe/

Join us this Tuesday for a live online event as we present our ...

2025-06-13T14:27:57Z

Join us this Tuesday for a live online event as we present our new report, Automating Authority: Artificial intelligence in European police and border regimes, and hear from allies organising against these same systems in the US.

Event details:
Tuesday 17 June, 16:00 BST
Online (in English)
Register via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FSzeE0QBQaWxuW1FOADsdg
More info here: https://www.statewatch.org/publications/events/artificial-intelligence-artificial-security-digital-technologies-and-authoritarian-politics/

1/EU governments should firmly condemn Israel's illegal ...

2025-06-09T14:58:59Z

1/EU governments should firmly condemn Israel's illegal maritime kidnapping of the Madleen crew and demand their citizens are freed immediately.

This morning, the Israeli military boarded and seized the Madleen—a civilian vessel delivering a symbolic amount of aid to Gaza—and kidnapped its crew.

Many of those on board are citizens of EU member states. Those governments—along with all others—should unequivocally condemn Israel's illegal actions and demand the immediate release of their citizens

In the beginning, there were open borders. That’s the story ...

2025-06-05T14:20:16Z

In the beginning, there were open borders.

That’s the story Europe likes to tell. But behind open borders came new controls—massive databases, surveillance systems, and tools to restrict movement in more hidden ways.

Today, the Schengen Information System (SIS) is the largest police and immigration database in the EU. It’s used to flag people for deportation, ban them from re-entry, and exchange alerts across borders.

European Parliament LIBE committee votes on the #Europol report ...

2025-05-14T10:18:46Z

European Parliament LIBE committee votes on the #Europol report next week.

MEPs must vote against!

🐎 It is a Trojan horse for surveillance disguised as „anti-smuggling“
💰 It would expand the budget for a problematic agency

The EU must take responsibility for forcing migrants into life-threatening situations, change its hostile border & migration policies, and reject the expansion of Europol’s digital surveillance powers.

Share the #ProtectNotSurveil paper now:

https://protectnotsurveil.eu/

‘Predictive’ policing tools in France are flawed, opaque, and ...

2025-05-08T10:00:36Z

‘Predictive’ policing tools in France are flawed, opaque, and dangerous.

A new report from nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnddaehgu3wwp6kyqpqlfzext6enatxuj4zqe7mz3fttud2dsdn3ny0k98kccdnfe5fpg6qc85h2g (nprofile…5h2g), now available in English as part of a Statewatch-coordinated project, lays out the risks in detail.

The report finds that these systems reinforce discrimination, evade accountability, and threaten fundamental rights. La Quadrature is calling for a full ban—and we support them.

📄 Read more and access the full report: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/may/france-flaws-and-injustices-of-predictive-policing-laid-bare-in-new-report/

#PredictivePolicing #France

3/ And finally, it is exploiting the loopholes, exemptions and ...

2025-05-06T10:39:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…raec
_________________________

3/ And finally, it is exploiting the loopholes, exemptions and exceptions in the EU AI Act.

The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act contains a series of massive exceptions for police and border agencies. This includes a total exemption from the law until 2030 for large-scale EU databases and information systems.

Thanks to these loopholes and exceptions, the use of much security AI will remain secret—but that’s something we will continue to challenge.

📓 Read the report: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/april/eu-s-secretive-security-ai-plans-need-critical-democratic-scrutiny-says-new-report/

1/ Away from public scrutiny, the EU has been building a Security ...

2025-05-06T10:39:35Z

1/ Away from public scrutiny, the EU has been building a Security AI Complex. And here’s how.

First, it already has the foundation.

The EU has spent years digitalising its policing, border and immigration systems – a long, expensive and ongoing process. Introducing “artificial intelligence” into these systems is the next step.

Security AI is not neutral. It’s reinforcing the systems we ...

2025-05-02T10:01:24Z

Security AI is not neutral. It’s reinforcing the systems we already have — and who they exclude.

Facial recognition, risk scoring, behaviour prediction — EU governments are building AI tools into policing and migration systems already marked by racism, over-surveillance and discrimination.

Policymakers talk about “debiasing” these tools, but sidestep the real issue: AI is being deployed to reinforce structures of exclusion, not to dismantle them.

📓 Read our report: https://buff.ly/5QD3kXD

France’s new “war on drugs” law won’t stop drug ...

2025-04-16T13:27:50Z

France’s new “war on drugs” law won’t stop drug trafficking. But it will expand invasive surveillance—especially targeting migrants, activists, and political dissent.

These powers include:
• remote activation of phones by police
• mass surveillance via black boxes sucking up internet and telecoms metadata

🔗 Read more: https://www.statewatch.org/analyses/2025/france-how-the-war-on-drugs-is-turbo-charging-surveillance-powers/

1/ The UK Ministry of Justice’s "murder prediction" ...

2025-04-10T15:04:09Z

1/ The UK Ministry of Justice’s "murder prediction" tool isn’t the only algorithmic system profiling people as future criminals.

The MoJ is also using an AI system to assess the ‘risk’ of re-offending—profiling over 1,300 people every day. This system uses sensitive data, including information about people’s mental health, addictions, and disabilities, to make flawed and potentially discriminatory predictions.

The Polish government has proposed new EU rules to ban the ...

2025-03-21T14:32:23Z

The Polish government has proposed new EU rules to ban the anonymous purchase of SIM cards.

This is yet another attempt to eliminate any form of anonymous communication in the name of combatting crime—despite extensive research showing no evidence that it will have any effect.

What it will do is make it more difficult for those who rely on anonymity for safety, including whistleblowers, journalists, and people seeking to escape abuse.

Read more: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/march/eu-officials-discuss-banning-anonymous-use-of-mobile-phones/

Last year, activists tried to stop a deportation flight from ...

2025-03-04T10:00:08Z

Last year, activists tried to stop a deportation flight from Milan. After their arrest, police seized their phones — and evidence later showed the devices were secretly accessed and tampered with using spyware made by the Israeli firm Cellebrite.

NoCPR Torino shares this case as a warning of the EU's use of repressive technology to target those resisting violent border regimes.

Read more: https://buff.ly/wwk4PB0

Despite mounting evidence of abuses and calls against it by civil ...

2025-02-11T10:00:09Z

Despite mounting evidence of abuses and calls against it by civil society, MEPs and more, EU member states are continuing the same harmful practice of outsourcing of border and migration controls to non-EU countries.

What's more, EU Member States want to make externalisation more “flexible and responsive”, which means more funding for violent and authoritarian regimes with no democratic oversight.

🖇️ Read more: https://www.statewatch.org/news/2025/january/eu-outsourcing-borders-and-migration-control-no-parliamentary-scrutiny-in-sight/

The Italian senate is discussing a bill that could be "the ...

2024-12-13T10:19:01Z

The Italian senate is discussing a bill that could be "the most serious attack to the freedom of protest ever waged in recent decades." So we signed a joint statement with 26 organisations from across Europe to condemn it.

The bill would criminalise protest roadblocks–particularly targeting climate and environmental movements. It would also increase punishments for resistance to major infrastructure projects.