The Greek Council of State declared unconstitutional a 2021 amendment that prevented citizens under surveillance from being informed about the reasons and timing of the surveillance.
The Greek political party PASOK has reacted to a recent ruling by the Council of State which deemed unconstitutional a 2021 amendment to the law that restricted citizens' rights to know the reasons for their surveillance by the National Intelligence Service (EYP). The amendment had retroactively denied the rights of individuals who were monitored without their knowledge, a move that PASOK argued compromised democratic principles and individual rights. Following a petition lodged by PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, the ruling indicates a significant legal development in the ongoing debate over state surveillance practices.
Despite this important ruling, PASOK has expressed disappointment at the lack of compliance from relevant authorities regarding the decision. The party highlighted that Androulakis is also awaiting a decision from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) regarding his own case of being denied information about his surveillance. This raises concerns about the adherence to judicial decisions within the country and the implications for those affected by EYP surveillance, as well as the broader implications for privacy rights and governmental oversight in Greece.
The article also notably references a recent ruling concerning journalist Thanasis Koukakis, underscoring the judiciary's role in addressing issues related to press freedom and state surveillance. The Council of State ordered the EYP to provide clarity on the circumstances that led to Koukakis's monitoring. This ruling not only demonstrates the judiciary's increasing willingness to challenge governmental actions in the realm of surveillance but also reinforces the need for transparency and accountability in matters of state surveillance and the protection of journalists' rights.
