Cyprus parliamentary committee reviews surveillance legislation expansion

The Cypriot Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee has begun discussions on legislation to amend Article 17 of the Constitution and expand the legal grounds for telecommunications interception. Proposed on February 13, 2026, the bills authorize the Attorney General to approve surveillance for national security purposes and expand judicial warrants for serious crimes. Eligible offenses now include murder, human trafficking, terrorism, espionage, child exploitation, cybercrime, illegal migration, and drug trafficking. Officials, including Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris, Attorney General Giorgos Savvides, and KYP Director Tasos Tzionis, argue the measures are essential to counter organized crime and external threats. The legislation introduces strict oversight, including tracking of interceptions to prevent data tampering and a penalty of up to ten years imprisonment for unlawful surveillance. Opposition party AKEL has raised concerns regarding the balance between national security and individual privacy. A special committee session is scheduled for Friday at 10:00 to further review the additional implementing bills.