The risks faced by permanent National Guard personnel visiting the occupied areas were examined by the Parliamentary Defence Committee following the recent detention of a National Guard member in the north.
The issue was discussed ex officio following a proposal by MPs Evgenios Hamboullas and Christos Christou, under the title “The risk posed by visits to the occupied areas by permanent National Guard personnel”.
The case has brought renewed attention to a particularly sensitive issue concerning National Guard personnel and the possible consequences for military personnel who visit the occupied areas.
Visits discouraged but not prohibited
According to information obtained by SigmaLive, an order currently in force advises permanent National Guard personnel to avoid visiting the occupied areas and sets out in detail the risks they may face.
The order does not, however, prohibit such visits.
The final decision therefore remains with each member of personnel, who is expected to consider the risks and potential consequences before deciding whether to enter the occupied areas.
Social media activity may be examined
According to the same information, the occupation authorities may examine individuals’ social media activity when they visit the occupied areas, including their activity on Facebook.
This may include checks on their online contacts or friendships, with their treatment potentially influenced by the findings.
Beyond permanent National Guard personnel, the use of social media for intelligence gathering is considered particularly significant in matters involving new weapons systems and military equipment.
Depending on the circumstances, civilians may also be involved, including technical or other specialised personnel.
Concerns extend beyond military personnel
Against this background, scrutiny of social media activity and online contacts has broader implications, as people professionally connected to sensitive areas of defence may become subjects of interest for intelligence gathering.
The issue is therefore not necessarily limited to National Guard personnel visiting the occupied areas. It may also concern civilians who, because of their profession, have knowledge of or access to information relating to defence systems and infrastructure.
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