Further Debate on Messenger Surveillance
According to a statement on Friday, Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) sees "currently no reason" for change. First, the established threat monitoring must be carried out and the insights gained from it awaited. Only then would "a discussion about whether and how an expansion is even sensible" be appropriate.
Debate on Messenger Surveillance Continues After Government Agreement
The coalition agreed last week to allow security authorities access to messenger data - but limited to cases indicating terrorist and constitution-threatening activities or espionage. This must now be approved by the National Council. In an interview on Thursday, Karner also advocated for an expansion to other areas of criminal law. This was demanded by the chairwoman of the Prosecutors' Association, Elena Haslinger. However, the minister noted that this is a matter for the Ministry of Justice.
However, they referred to the government decision and saw no further necessity for the time being. In general, it also applies: If the police find information relevant to criminal law, it must be immediately brought to the attention of the public prosecutor's office, according to Sporrer. The NEOS also reacted similarly negatively yesterday. "An extension of threat monitoring to other offenses will not happen with us throughout the entire government period," said club chairman Yannick Shetty. The two opposition parties FPÖ and Greens have already rejected the rules concerning only state protection.
Karner himself has no illusions about implementation: It is not new that despite the wishes from justice and executive, an implementation beyond state protection is not anchored in the government program, said the minister in the Ö1 "Midday Journal". Therefore, the focus is on implementing the program.
(APA/Red)
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