Cyprus is under surveillance on the spyware issue
Statements by AKEL MEP Giorgos Georgiou:
17 July 2023, ‘Astra’ radio
The Republic of Cyprus continues to be under surveillance, AKEL MEP Giorgos Georgiou stressed on the issue of spy software. The Republic of Cyprus continues to be under surveillance, he said.
Speaking on the Midday program of ‘Astra’ radio, the AKEL MEP pointed out that this is horrendous and dangerous because a person’s privacy is lost. Referring to the Pegasus Commission reports on the issue of surveillance/wiretapping, he said that what is happening is scary saying that Presidents, Prime Ministers, European Commissioners, MP’s, MEP’s, journalists and activists are and have been followed on the grounds of counter-terrorism or ‘radicalization’.
At the same time, Giorgos Georgiou pointed out that the Commission’s reports record that there is evidence of maladministration in the implementation of the EU dual-use regulation in Cyprus. Furthermore, reference is made in the reports to the black spy van and the need to make the findings of the investigation carried out public. In addition, the Cyprus-Greece link with Intellexa and Predator software is documented, Cyprus is mentioned as an export hub for spy software and the existence and presence of the notorious NSO on the island is identified.
The AKEL MEP also recalled the reference of the former President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, who declared to the PEGASUS Committee the inimitable: “nothing is wrong and illegal, you’re seeing ghosts…” saying that they weren’t ghosts after all. G.Georgiou said it was recommended that Cyprus should thoroughly evaluate all export licenses issued for spyware and revoke them where necessary, map Israeli companies or companies owned by Israelis registered in Cyprus and involved in such activities, investigate with the help of EUROPOL the allegations of illegal use and export of such spyware.
In conclusion, the AKEL MEP called on President Christodoulides, together with the relevant institutions such as Ministries and the Legal Service, to respond and take action.
