Cyprus parliamentary committee discusses constitutional amendment on surveillance

The Cypriot Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee held an emergency closed meeting to discuss the amendment of Article 17 of the Constitution regarding the lifting of communication privacy. The proposed bill, involving Deputy Attorney General Savvas Angelides, will be submitted for a vote at the plenary session on April 2. The amendment requires 38 votes to pass. A new proposed mechanism allows the Director of the Intelligence Service (KYP) to authorize surveillance in emergency situations, followed by a request for approval from a three-member committee within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the report. This formula replaces previous versions that involved direct Attorney General approval. The AKEL party and some independent members oppose the bill, citing the absence of prior judicial oversight as a threat to individual rights. Supporters argue the measure is necessary for national security. The final version of the legislation will be put to a plenary vote on April 2.