Justice Ministry introduces Constitutional amendment package
The Minister of Justice and Public Order, Kostas Fytiris, described the proposed legislation on the 23rd amendment to the Constitution as a “substantial institutional response” to serious criminal activity. The package aims to grant state security authorities the legal right to monitor telecommunications under strict safeguards.
The matter was discussed on Wednesday at the Parliamentary Legal Committee in the presence of the Minister, the Attorney General and Deputy AG, the Police Chief, and the Director of the Cyprus Intelligence Service (CYS). A special committee session is scheduled for Friday at 10:00 for a detailed review.
Scope of the proposed law
The legislation amends Article 17 of the Constitution, which guarantees the confidentiality of correspondence and communications. The law seeks to expand legal grounds for surveillance to cover serious offences including attempted murder, human trafficking, child exploitation and pornography, terrorism, espionage, illegal migration, cybercrime punishable with 5 years or more, money laundering, and drug trafficking for supply.
The law will also allow tracking of communication interceptions to ensure no data is altered or deleted, with severe penalties for unlawful surveillance. Written approval from the Attorney General is required for interventions conducted for national security purposes, while judicial warrants are necessary for criminal investigations handled by the police.
Institutional safeguards and oversight
Minister Fytiris stressed that the system includes safeguards to prevent unlawful use, with clear procedures and accountability. The proposal reflects recommendations from the Attorney General, police, and the Cyprus Intelligence Service, all of whom underscored the necessity of modern investigative tools to protect society and uphold human rights.
The Commissioner for Personal Data Protection, Maria Christofidou, highlighted that any interference must fully respect the principles of necessity, proportionality, and legality, with robust institutional guarantees.
Parliamentary support sought
The President of the Legal Committee, Nikos Tornaritis, stated that Cyprus had delayed implementing such legislation compared to other EU states. He emphasised that strong protections for human rights will accompany the law, and that illegal surveillance will carry penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment.
The 23rd Constitutional Amendment requires 38 votes in the House of Representatives to pass. Tornaritis expressed hope that lawmakers will recognise the urgency of equipping Cyprus with the same security tools available in other EU member states.
Source: CNA
Also read: Cyprus highest in EU for oil dependency– 86% of energy oil-based
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
