Source: CNA
Cyprus has played a major role as an export hub for spyware, and should repeal all export licences it has issued that are not in line with EU legislation, the report of rapporteur Sophia in 't Veld on the investigation of alleged contraventions and maladministration in the application of Union law in relation to the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware said.
The report was adopted on Monday evening by 30 votes in favour, 3 votes against and 4 abstentions, as well as the text outlining recommendations for the future by 30 votes in favour, 5 against and 2 abstentions.
The report concluded that "contraventions and maladministration in the implementation of Union law are likely to have taken place in Cyprus."
The report called on the government of Cyprus to "thoroughly assess all export licences issued for spyware and repeal them where appropriate".
It also called for the release of "the report of the special investigator on the ‘Spyware Van’ case" and to " fully investigate, with the assistance of Europol, all allegations of illegitimate use of spyware, notably on journalists, lawyers and civil society actors".
At 15:30 Cyprus time, a press conference is expected to be held by the President of the Committee Jeroen Lenaers and the rapporteur of the report where an update on the outcome of the votes is expected.
The final report will be submitted to the plenary of the Parliament during the June 2023 session.
