The cover-up surrounding the scandal of the “black spy van” undermines the rule of law

The “black spy van” scandal is developing into a scandal involving multiple cover-ups for which the Legal Service bears responsibility and, together with the serious political questions that remain unanswered, it undermines the rule of law.

The evidence submitted to Parliament and before the Court demonstrates the operation of a system capable of mass surveillance and illegal wiretapping. The evidence also demonstrates that authorities, officials and, possibly, political figures were aware of illegal surveillance linked to specific companies, and that state agencies, as well as politically connected individuals, were involved in these activities.

However, the Legal Service suspended criminal proceedings against the key figures, citing the 2public interest”, whilst in its announcement today, the Anti-Corruption Authority states that the Legal Service itself has closed the door to further investigation.

In short, those who had the duty and obligation to protect the rule of law have become the key players in its downfall, cementing a permanent culture of cover-ups and obstruction of investigations, as has been the case in a number of instances in the past.

At the same time, the special investigator’s report on the scandal remains locked away in the Legal Service’s filing cabinets, despite the European Parliament’s recommendations that it be made public.

All this despite the fact that, in the same case – involving the same key figures and similar offences – prison sentences were handed down in Greece.

AKEL demands that the case of the black surveillance van be reopened, that the Stefanos report be made public and that all aspects be investigated.

Neither the “public interest”, nor a convenient silence can serve as an excuse for covering up such a serious case.