Dialogos

Bill on Surveillance Powers Continues to Evolve

Published March 28, 2026, 07:02
Bill on Surveillance Powers Continues to Evolve

The discussion on the bill amending Article 17 of the Constitution regarding the lifting of communication privacy continued in an emergency session of the Parliament's Legal Committee, with the participation of the Assistant Attorney General. The bill is expected to be put to a vote in the plenary session before the end of the parliamentary period, on April 2nd. MP Andreas Pasioritidis (AKEL) expressed significant reservations regarding the absence of judicial approval as a prerequisite for surveillance, pointing out that each new draft is worse than the previous one. He emphasized that judicial intervention is essential for the protection of individual rights. Pasioritidis stated that a majority seems to be forming that would allow the KYP to seek approval from the three-member committee for surveillance in certain cases, rather than seeking an immediate court order. He criticized this development, expressing the view that he trusts the courts more than a committee appointed by the Cabinet. Furthermore, Pasioritidis accused the president of DIKO, Nikola Papadopoulos, of attempting to silence AKEL MPs during the discussion, asking them not to speak because they do not intend to vote for the bill. He described this action as dangerous to democracy. The final decision will be made in the plenary session.