Facing spying claims, Mexico president says activist's phone call was recorded

FILE PHOTO: Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gestures as he speaks during an event to mark the 85th anniversary of the expropriation of foreign oil firms, in Mexico City, Mexico March 18, 2023. REUTERS/Paola Garcia

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Thursday confirmed for the first time that the government monitored the phone of a human rights activist, saying it was part of a probe into a suspected gang member.

A report by non-profit groups this month accused Mexico of hacking the communications of prominent activist Raymundo Ramos in 2020, publishing documents that it said showed the military had access to messages Ramos sent to journalists.