The Greek authorities got here below fireplace after it was discovered that the key service was secretly surveilling politicians.
A European Parliament committee investigating using spy ware has urged Greek officers to do extra to make clear a cellphone tapping scandal wherein journalists and opposition politicians had been focused.
Earlier this yr, it emerged that Greece’s secret service, the EYP, was secretly surveilling opposition occasion chief Nikos Androulakis’s cellphone.
One other opposition legislator and three journalists had been additionally focused with dangerous spy ware.
Committee rapporteur Sophie in ‘t Veld mentioned whereas no particular proof emerged on who put in and used Predator spy ware on the Greek victims’ telephones, and why, “every part is pointing within the path of individuals in authorities circles”.
“We discovered lots however we additionally nonetheless really feel that plenty of our questions stay to be answered,” committee head Jeroen Lenaers mentioned after a fact-finding go to to Greece.
Whereas Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis mentioned he was unaware of the operation, he mentioned it was nonetheless authorized on nationwide safety grounds however didn't elaborate.
The scandal pressured the resignations of the pinnacle of the EYP and a detailed Mitsotakis aide.
In the meantime, in ‘t Veld mentioned Greek authorities didn't make a lot effort to research using spy ware.
“Quite the opposite, most related info has been categorised,” she mentioned.
“This matter have to be urgently and totally clarified earlier than” Greece’s subsequent parliamentary election in mid-2023, she mentioned.
Critics have additionally mentioned the investigative committee did not summon key witnesses, together with Mitsotakis, his nephew and intelligence employees who dealt with the Androulakis wire-tapping case.
In ‘t Veld urged Athens to hunt Europol’s assist in the investigation “for at the very least the securing of proof”.
The Greek authorities has denied utilizing the unlawful Predator spy ware, which permits the monitoring of calls, messages, pictures or video on the cellphone.
Distinguished opposition chief Alexis Tsipras, a former prime minister, urged Mitsotakis on Friday to “cease hiding and provides solutions”.
“Political opponents, journalists and even [Mitsotakis’s] personal ministers” are on the reported record of individuals below state or unlawful surveillance, Tsipras added.
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