MADRID, Reuters – Spain’s ombudsman announced on Sunday that it will investigate claims of spying by the government of Catalan separatist leaders during peak times of region’s quest for independence. The government has also announced a separate investigation by the CNI intelligence agency.

These probes are being conducted after intense pressure was placed on Canada’s government to provide an explanation. After Canada’s Citizen Lab (a digital rights group) claimed more than 60 people were linked to Catalan separatists movement. This included several MEPs, politicians and activists.

Pere Aragones (Catalan leader) said Sunday that trust was at a minimum and asked for the government’s answers.

Spain’s Ombudsman oversees public administrations and said that they were evaluating the “possible inappropriate use” of Pegasus software tools. This could put fundamental rights, including privacy, in danger.

Spain’s defense minister said that Sunday’s statement would support the investigation of the ombudsman. It also stated that this will highlight the CNI’s compliance at all times with legal systems.

NSO stated that the accusations were untrue when made Monday.

Spanish authorities attempted to calm tensions with Catalonia leaders ever since the allegations were first made. Aragones called it “an unjustifiable shame”.

After meeting with Laura Vilagra (Catalan counterpart), Felix Bolanos, Minister for Presidency, Bolanos stated that the CNI would launch an internal investigation.

According to him, the Spanish government was clear of all its sins and had nothing to hide. The main purpose of the actions was to make the truth as plain as possible.

He pledged that the government would call the official secret commission to parliament, which would include the CNI director.

Vilagra claimed that the measures taken were insufficient and added, “A scandal of such magnitude cannot be handled cosmetically”.

Citizen Lab reported that nearly all of the Pegasus-related infections were caused by spyware in 2017 to 2020, following Catalonia’s unsuccessful independence bid. That plunged Spain in its most severe political crisis for years.

It stated that “strong circumstantial evidence indicates a nexus between Spanish authorities.”