AKEL: New Surveillance Regulations are Dangerous and Disproportionate

AKEL MP Aristos Damianou criticized the new surveillance regulations, describing them as dangerous and disproportionate. He argued that the lack of political will to address crime does not justify the removal of human and political rights. Mr. Damianos stressed that the amendment to the law on telephone surveillance nullifies Article 17 of the Constitution, which protects private life. He expressed concern that decisions on surveillance will be made by individuals appointed by the President of the Republic, without judicial review. He warned that CYTA has a problematic past and could be used for political surveillance. Furthermore, he pointed out that the legislation legalizes the production and export of surveillance equipment.