Spanish deputy PM urges investigation into Catalan spyware claims

Exclusive: Pablo Iglesias calls alleged targeting of independence movement figures unacceptable

The Spanish deputy prime minister Pablo Iglesias has become the most senior political figure to call for a parliamentary investigation into the use of spyware to target prominent members of the Catalan independence movement, saying such practices are “unacceptable in a democracy”.

A joint investigation this week by the Guardian and El País has revealed that Roger Torrent, the speaker of the Catalan parliament, and former regional foreign minister Ernest Maragall are among at least four pro-independence activists who have been targeted using Israeli spyware that its makers said is sold only to governments.