French lawmakers adopt draft bill to track suspects via digital devices

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) — The French parliament's lower chamber adopted a draft bill allowing authorities to remotely monitor suspects via cell phones during investigations.

Following a debate on Tuesday, 388 members of the National Assembly voted in favor of the judicial reform measure, which, if signed into law, will allow authorities to covertly activate the microphones and cameras of cell phones, computers, and other digital devices belonging to suspects in terrorism and organized crime cases.

Local media reported that 111 lawmakers opposed the draft bill, adopted last month in the Senate after it was submitted by Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti.

A commission of seven National Assembly members and seven senators will now examine it.

The article has been widely challenged by activists, fearing it may be used to quell dissent.

The draft bill also raises the Justice Ministry's budget to €11 billion ($12.3 billion) by 2027 and includes plans to recruit 10,000 more staff, including 1,500 judges.

It will also increase the capacity of penitentiary facilities.