Wider spy powers
March 08, 2006
THE HOUSE of Representatives yesterday passed legislation allowing the police to modify warrants and effectively wiretap Jamaican citizens for up to seven days without an order from the Supreme Court.
But though the Interception of Communications (Amendment) Bill was approved without rancour, the Opposition served notice that it would keenly monitor any concerns from affected citizens and actively seek to abolish the legislation if it was abused by the police.
"Let me say it here for all to hear, in the event that credible information over time comes to the attention of the Opposition, we will not be reluctant or hesitate to rescind what we are agreeing to do today," Derrick Smith, Leader of Opposition Business and Spokesman on National Security, told the House.
NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES
The House was, in fact, examining a report from a special committee of Parliament that examined, in camera, sensitive issues related to national security.
The Dr. Peter Phillips (National Security Minister)-chaired six-man committee, which also included Mr. Smith, argued that law enforcers should be able to "modify a warrant so as to carry out interception in respect of a person who is an associate of the subject of that warrant, and is believed to be involved in the same prohibited activity".
Among the offences the legislation takes into account for the wiretapping of an individual are terrorism; the sale or trafficking of children; forcible abduction, child stealing, administering drugs; fraud; and aiding and abetting in any of the other offences mentioned....
Author: Robert Hart
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
