The Supreme Court OK's police videotaping of protests

[Ellinas]

Greece's top Supreme Court prosecutor has given law enforcement officials permission to photograph and videotape demonstrations using department cameras in order to identify individuals responsible for violence or other offences at outdoor rallies and marches.

In an opinion released on Wednesday, prosecutor Georgios Sanidas said cameras should begin recording at the start of demonstrations and that video footage and photographs taken by Greek Police can then be used to assist in police investigations or as evidence in court against individuals arrested during protests and rallies.

However, police are not allowed to seize footage of alleged offences recorded by media crews, photojournalists or even private individuals, but can only request the owners to voluntarily handover the images for police use.

ANA

[Prokomenos]

Do you think that will solve anything Ellinas?

[Ellinas]

Originally Posted by Prokomenos
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Do you think that will solve anything Ellinas?

I don't know, but the police is going to have less excuses.

[Ellinas]

Watchdog against cameras

Lawyers and privacy watchdog the Hellenic Data Protection Authority (APPD) expressed their opposition yesterday to a decision by a senior prosecutor to allow police to film violent street protests with traffic cameras, saying the move is non-binding and unnecessary.

On Wednesday, Supreme Court prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas gave police the green light to film protesters and use the footage as court evidence if criminal acts are conducted during the gatherings.

The decision allows police to position closed-circuit cameras at public gatherings, such as protest marches and sports events, and then to use any incriminating videotape to identify and prosecute those caught on film committing crimes.

The APPD defended its right to rule against the decison and said that it is not limited by the judiciary.

“Our decision is applicable and binding. Any violation is subject to penalties,” it said.

The APPD recently fined police 3,000 euros after finding that 49 of its cameras still do not operate with software that blurs people’s faces.

The watchdog also found that images from some of the cameras were also kept for more than seven days, thereby breaking privacy rules.

Meanwhile, lawyers also criticized the decision, saying violent acts can be punished without having to resort to electronic records being kept on demonstrators.

“Security and freedom are rights that are compatible,” said Dimitris Paxinos, president of the Athens Bar Association.

The government appears to be in favor of the decision after Justice Minister Sotiris Hatzigakis said there needs to be a balance between personal rights and the interests of society.

Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ