The European Court of Human Rights has communicated the application of journalist and author Makarios Drousiotis against the Cyprus to the government, formally placing the case under examination.
According to the court document, the application was communicated on 16 February.
Alleged violations of fundamental rights
In a statement, Drousiotis said the application concerns alleged violations of Articles 8, 10 and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The applicant claims he was the target of unlawful surveillance through advanced spyware, involving alleged intrusions into his personal computers, mobile phones, cloud accounts and home security systems, as well as incidents of physical monitoring.
He further alleges that his data, including sensitive information and material relating to journalistic sources, was obtained without his knowledge or consent.
Questions posed to the parties
According to the court’s document, a series of questions has been submitted to the parties.
Among other issues, the Strasbourg court asks whether, if there was interference with the applicant’s rights under Articles 8 and 10 of the Convention, such interference was “prescribed by law” and “necessary in a democratic society” for the pursuit of a legitimate aim within the meaning of Article 10.
The court also seeks clarification as to whether the applicant has access to effective domestic remedies in relation to the alleged violations of his rights.
Source: CNA