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Issue 12/23, 6 July
Statewatch News
Also available as a PDF.
In this issue:
- Webinar: Europe's techno-borders
- EU border databases: delays and “decoupling”
- New UK campaign demands action on state-related deaths
- Revamped EU border mission in Libya
And: new police data rules; secret Balkan deportation scheme; crocodile tears for Pylos shipwreck; UK must protect encryption; latest EU migration pact documents; and more.
Webinar: Surveillance technology and artificial intelligence: what impact for people on the move?
Join us on Monday 10 July at 15:30 BST/16:30 CET as we present a new Statewatch/EuroMed Rights report on the past, present and future of Europe’s techno-borders. The report charts the introduction and entrenchment of digital technologies in the EU’s border regime, analyses current legislation that will amplify surveillance and data-gathering, and looks at plans for the future.
The event will also include presentation of a new EuroMed Rights report on the export of technology as part of the EU’s border externalisation plans, and an update on the negotiations on the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act.
Details and registration information here.
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EU border databases: delays and “decoupling”
Ongoing delays to the Entry/Exit System (EES) may mean the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is put into operation first, in a break with previous plans.
The proposal to “decouple” the systems arises from the ongoing delays to the implementation of the EES, which has so far led to multiple revisions of the timeline. This change of plans would mean the ETIAS could begin operating in May 2024.
Full story here.
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UK: New campaign calls for action on state-related deaths
A new campaign challenging the lack of accountability, transparency and action on recommendations arising from investigations into preventable deaths launched last week, led by the organisation INQUEST and supported by dozens of other groups, including Statewatch.
The campaign, No More Deaths, calls for the government to create a National Oversight Mechanism (NOM), a new independent public body that would be responsible for monitoring recommendations arising from inquests, inquiries, official reviews and investigations into state-related deaths.
Full story here.
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Revamped EU border mission in Libya
The EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) Libya has received an update to its tasks. The mandate now includes specific references to "the fight against cross-border crime, including human trafficking and migrant smuggling." There will also be a reference to "international standards in these areas" - though no specific reference to international law.
Full story here.
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Our reports
New police data exchange rules will expand Europol's databases
Commission remains tight-lipped on Balkan deportation scheme
Not so interoperable: discussions underway to “decouple” launch of new EU border databases
UK: Rights-destroying clause in Illegal Migration Bill must be removed
UK: New campaign calls for action on state failures to respond to and prevent deaths
Pylos shipwreck: European Council prepares to shed crocodile tears
UK must protect global digital security and safeguard private communication
EU border mission in Libya gets revamp
Closer security cooperation between EU and Latin America on the cards
News
6 JulyNew police data exchange rules will expand Europol's databases
A new EU law on the exchange of data between national law enforcement authorities entered into force last month. It is intended to harmonise existing rules, speed up exchanges of information, and will lead to an increased amount of data being shared with Europol.
6 JulyCommission remains tight-lipped on Balkan deportation scheme
Earlier this year, Statewatch published a secret ministerial statement that committed EU and Schengen states to providing financial and material support for deportations from the Balkans. The European Commission recently answered a parliamentary question on the topic. The answer contains nothing of substance.
5 JulyNot so interoperable: discussions underway to “decouple” launch of new EU border databases
Ongoing delays to the Entry/Exit System (EES) may mean the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is put into operation first, in a break with previous plans.
29 JuneUK: Rights-destroying clause in Illegal Migration Bill must be removed
In its current form, the Illegal Migration Bill puts the duty to deport people - including children and victims of trafficking - above human rights and international law. The House of Lords has begun the next stage of scrutiny of the bill. A briefing to peers supported by over 50 organisations, including Statewatch, calls for the addition of a new clause that would prevent the provisions of the Bill taking precedence over the UK's human rights and international obligations.
28 JuneUK: New campaign calls for action on state failures to respond to and prevent deaths
A new campaign challenging the lack of accountability, transparency and action on recommendations arising from investigations into preventable deaths launched yesterday.
27 JunePylos shipwreck: European Council prepares to shed crocodile tears
The European Council meeting later this week will express "its profound sorrow for the terrible loss of life as a result of the recent tragedy in the Mediterranean," at the same time as reiterating, for the umpteenth time, its commitment to "breaking the business model of traffickers and smuggling networks and to tackling the root causes of irregular migration." As a recent Europol report highlights, this model is in large part a creation of the EU and its member states. Meanwhile, a letter from Ursula von der Leyen demonstrates how much work is going in to expanding control, and how little to increasing the possibility of legal migration.
27 JuneUK must protect global digital security and safeguard private communication
An open letter signed by over 80 civil society organisations, including Statewatch, is calling on the UK government to protect digital security and private communications by removing provisions from the Online Safety Bill that would require communications service providers to add "backdoors" to encrypted messaging services, undermining safety for all.
27 JuneTracking the Pact: New Presidency proposals on "solidarity and support measures in a situation of crisis or instrumentalisation"
The latest Council Presidency compromise text of the Crisis and Force Majeure Regulation includes new provisions on "solidarity and support measures in a situation of crisis or instrumentalisation," and changes to the proposals on the notification and authorisation procedures for member states deemed to be facing a migration "crisis" or the "instrumentalisation of migration".
23 JuneEU border mission in Libya gets revamp
The EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) in Libya is about to receive an update to its tasks. References to supporting institutional reform and cooperation with the UN Support Mission in Libya are to be removed from its mandate. The current budget is to be extended by three months, pending a decision by the Council on funding for the next two years.
23 JuneCloser security cooperation between EU and Latin America on the cards
The creation of a Latin American internal security system based on the EU model continues, and a draft declaration indicates plans for closer cooperation and synchronisation.
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Upcoming events
London, 28 JulyStill No Joy - the struggle for justice memorial, 30 years on
"Migrant Media and a host of other campaign and social justice organisations are to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of Joy Gardner."
New material
Asylum, immigration and borders
Asylum, immigration and borders
Altreconomia, 5 JulyItaly: Il ministero dell’Interno condannato a risarcire un respinto a catena in Bosnia
The interior ministry ordered to pay damages to victim of chain refoulements to Bosnia, Rome court confirms first ruling in case involving Pakistani asylum seeker.
Washington Post, 5 JulyTracing a tragedy: How hundreds of migrants drowned on Greece’s watch
“The earliest of more than a dozen distress calls came the morning of June 13. On a boat overpacked with migrants, water had run out and the situation was deteriorating.
Yet the Greek coast guard did not call for a high-priority rescue operation. In subsequent hours, officials maintained the vessel was proceeding with a “steady course and speed” and people on board didn’t want help. Greek officials deny responsibility for what happened that night, when the migrant boat, a fishing trawler known as the Adriana, capsized and sent as many as 750 people into the Mediterranean Sea.”
Reuters, 5 JulyTunisia removes hundreds of migrants to desert border region, rights group and lawmaker say
“Tunisia has removed hundreds of sub-Saharan African migrants to a desolate area along the border with Libya, a local rights group and a lawmaker said on Wednesday, with witnesses reporting dozens more put on outbound trains following days of violence.”
Border Criminologies, 5 JulyCracks in the UK imaginary of the strong and effective overseas border: disconnect, opportunism and flexibility in implementation
“This blogpost, based on my chapter in the edited book UK Borderscapes: Sites of Enforcement and Resistance, maps the UK’s sprawling overseas network, Immigration Enforcement International (IEI), which is comprised of immigration liaison officers (ILOs), who are posted to foreign jurisdictions and “tasked with preventing illegal(ised) immigration and disrupting the organised immigration crime” outside of the country’s physical territory. Between 2015 and 2020, UK ILOs trained local police, immigration, security, and airline professionals in 83 foreign states, spanning nearly all regions of the globe.”
Refugee Council, 4 JulyUK: An Open Letter to Bibby Marine
“More than forty organisations and campaigners, including the Refugee Council, Asylum Matters and Refugee Action, have penned an open letter to Bibby Marine, the owner of the Bibby Stockholm, the barge contracted by the UK Government to house people seeking asylum at Portland Port.
The letter highlights the company’s well-evidenced historic ties to the transatlantic slave trade and points out the detention-like conditions that will be in place on board, and asks for a public response. We are hosting the letter and signatories on behalf of campaigner Nicola David of One Life To Live and are proud to be part of her campaign.”
The New Humanitarian, 4 JulyThe EU is fuelling migration from Tunisia, not stopping it
“By legitimising Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed’s increasingly authoritarian grip and bolstering the country’s security apparatus in the name of stopping migration, the EU is not only turning a blind eye to the worsening corruption, collapsing economy, and deteriorating human rights situation in Tunisia – it is actively contributing to the factors pushing more to migrate and risk their lives.”
InfoMigrants, 4 JulyAre Italy and the UK preparing to strike a deal about migration?
“According to the British newspaper The Telegraph, the governments of UK and Italy could be about to sign a deal on migration which would help both countries crack down on the numbers arriving on their shores in small boats.”
Times of Malta, 3 JulyPersons of trust and missing documents: Malta’s secretive migration project
“A deal between Malta and Libya for a migration management project refers to documents that the government now says do not exist.
Three people, including former prisons chief Alexander Dalli, are engaged on a person-of-trust basis to operate Malta’s end of its agreement.”
InfoMigrants, 3 JulyL'Italie refuse de rapatrier un migrant illégalement refoulé en Libye, malgré une décision de justice
Italy refuses to let in a migrant returned illegally to Libya despite a court ruling as the embassy in Tripoli does not reply to lawyers' requests.
British High Commission Abuja, 3 JulyNigeria-UK Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue
“Senior officials from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Kingdom Home Office co-chaired the annual Migration, Justice and Home Affairs dialogue on 10 May 2023 in Abuja. The talks reinforced the steadfast relationship between the UK and Nigeria and commitments were made across a range of important areas.”
EUobserver, 30 JuneEU leaders sideline Hungary and Poland over migration
“EU leaders on Friday (30 June) sidelined Poland and Hungary over a wider dispute on European policy on migration and asylum.”
The Guardian, 29 JuneBraverman plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda unlawful, appeal court rules
“Court of appeal judges have ruled that it is unlawful to send asylum seekers to Rwanda to have their claims processed, in a judgment that delivers a potential hammer blow to government policy.”
Free Movement, 29 JuneUK: Chief Inspector highly critical of foreign national offender removal operations: “this is no way to run a government department”
“The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, David Neal, has published an inspection report on the Home Office’s handling of foreign national offender cases. It is a highly critical report and, as the government was no doubt aware, had it been published on any other day that that of the Rwanda judgment, would no doubt have generated considerable adverse media attention. The government controls the publication date for these reports.”
InfoMigrants, 28 JuneDigital technologies – bane or boon for migrants seeking asylum in Europe?
“EU member states are increasingly relying on technology to remove backlogs in the asylum system, to reduce irregular border crossings and even to forecast displacement patterns. But a new report shows how automating migration and asylum processes can disadvantage migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and even violate their human rights.”
Collective Aid and Medical Volunteers International, 27 JuneNorthern Serbia Advocacy Report April-May 2023: Observations and Trends in Pushbacks, Border Violence, and Conditions in Northern Serbia (pdf)
“This is our fourth report documenting observations and trend updates regarding border pushbacks, international political developments and Serbian state action relating to people on the move in Northern Serbia. These findings refer to observations made during April and May and are produced by grassroots organisations working along the Serbian border with Hungary and Romania.”
La Repubblica, 27 JuneItaly: La sentenza del giudice ordina di accogliere in Italia il rifugiato respinto ma l’ambasciata non risponde
Judge's sentence orders reception of pushed back refugee, but the embassy does not answer, after victory by JL Project and ASGI in 2018 court case.
Dr Lucy Mayblin, 27 JuneUK: The Illegal Migration Bill Impact Assessment Digested: Read it and Weep
“Yesterday the Home Office Impact Assessment for the Illegal Migration Bill was released. It is 40 pages, so there is a lot to wade through. Many news outlets picked up on some of the headline figures. But headline figures, which sound very costly, hide a much more troubling reality. The Home Office has no idea if the policy will be successful, and there is almost no evidence to suggest that its central assumption -the deterrent effect- exists. In addition to that, the Home Office also has little real idea of how much the policy will cost. Below I summarise the 40 page Impact Assessment which will demonstrate these inconvenient truths.”
EurActiv, 27 June50% of Frontex’s boat sightings triggered illegal returns
“Half of the sightings by the EU border agency Frontex prompted Search and Rescue missions or migrant interceptions by Libyan coastguards in international waters, according to a new report, a practice that typically leads to people being illegally returned to an unsafe country.”
Yale Journal of International Law, 26 JuneUnlawful Nationality-Based Bans from the Schengen Zone: Poland, Finland, and the Baltic States against Russian Citizens and EU Law
“In this Essay, we demonstrate that there is no legal way under current European Union (EU, the Union) law to adopt a citizenship-based ban on entering the Schengen zone. The de facto national-level ban against Russian citizens introduced by Poland, Finland, and the Baltic States breaches EU law. Further, amending the law to allow for a citizenship-based ban goes against the core values the Union is based upon, pitting populist proposals against the rule of law. References to “wholly exceptional circumstances” would not help either. Any proposal to ban Russian citizens’ entry would prevent dissenters and deserters, who are unwilling to contribute to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war, from seeking refuge in EU territory and imply impermissible discrimination.”
InfoMigrants, 26 JuneGermany deports Tunisians following migration management deal
“Germany has deported 11 men to Tunisia just days after a visit to Tunis by the German interior minister Nancy Faeser to discuss cooperation on migration.”
The European Conservative, 26 JuneFrontex Considers Suspension of Greek Operations
“Frontex, the EU’s Border and Coast Guard Agency, is considering temporarily suspending its activities in Greece following its row with Athens over the recent capsizing of an overcrowded fishing boat off the coast of Pylos, which claimed the lives of up to 600 migrants.
According to Le Monde, during Frontex’s June 20-21st management board meeting, it was its fundamental rights officer, Jonas Grimheden, who had recommended such a course of action.”
Middle East Eye, 26 JuneGreece shipwreck: Trial of nine Egyptian men founded on 'fragile evidence' say activists
“Nine Egyptian men were remanded in custody last Tuesday by a Greek court for their alleged role in the deadly Pylos shipwreck following hours of questioning.
They face charges ranging from participation in a criminal organisation to manslaughter and causing a shipwreck.
But the accusations are based on "fragile evidence”, say activists.”
Borderlex, 26 JuneMEP Hautala: member states need to “make moves” on GSP overhaul
“The European Parliament is “very united” in combatting a member state push to oblige developing countries to take back their migrants in return for receiving trade benefits under the EU’s revised General Scheme of Preferences, said the parliament’s lead negotiator.”
Verfassungsblog, 25 JuneHuman Rights Violations to Deflect Refugees: The EU Council Agreement on Asylum Reform as an Intensification of Policies Tried and Failed
“It has been hard to find something new to say… except that the current developments reflect so poorly on EU politics that rather than learn some lessons from 2015, a distorted political narrative quickly took hold, and rather than question containment, EU governments seek more of the same.”
Mirror, 24 JuneUK: Horrific levels of violence and racism among immigration staff as suspensions double
“The number of immigration custody staff suspended last year doubled, an investigation by the Sunday Mirror and Liberty investigates has found.
One officer repeatedly kneed a detainee in the head and told a concerned colleague “there are no cameras”, according to a staff report.”
EUobserver, 24 JuneOne year after the massacre in Melilla, nothing has changed
“At least 40 people died, 80 disappeared, several dozens were injured and almost 500 were displaced and deported. But what has happened since then?
Despite repeated reports and denunciations from survivors, civil society, activists and families of the victims, the policies implemented in the two enclaves and the wider border region have not changed.”
CBA, 23 JuneWho profits from brutal and murderous Pushbacks?
“On the occasion of World Refugee Day on 20 June, you can listen to a podcast from our cooperation radio station Radio Mytilini on Lesvos. It's about the brutal and murderous pushbacks at the EU's external borders and who benefits financially from them. The people who carry out such pushbacks are paid for it, you can find out where the money comes from in this programme.”
Alarme Phone Sahara, 23 JuneStatement by Alarme Phone Sahara regarding visa harassment against our representative at Tunis Carthage airport
“Alarme Phone Sahara informs the public that one of our representatives from Niger, who is invited for a Round Table at the EU Parliament and other activities in Belgium and Germany, was arbitrarily prevented from boarding his flight from Tunis Carthage Airport to Frankfurt, Germany, by the Tunis Air staff on 23 June 2023.”
MEDU, 22 JuneThe Last Border - Western Alpin Border
“Since the beginning of 2022, Medici per i Diritti Umani (MEDU) has been present in the town of Oulx, at the border with France (Upper Susa Valley) with the project ‘Frontiera Solidale’. The project aims to guarantee medical assistance to the thousands of people crossing the north-western Alpine border to reach France. The Medu team – consisting of a coordinator, a doctor, a cultural mediator and a few volunteers – works three days a week at the clinic set up and made available by the Rainbow for Africa association inside the Fraternità Massi refuge.
In the nine months covered by the report (July 2022 – March 2023), 8,928 people passed through the Fraternità Massi shelter. Of these, 4,193 people had access to triage at the shelter’s outpatient clinic – setup and provided by the Rainbow for Africa association – and 1,214 were thoroughly examined by the MEDU team.
Migreurop, 22 JuneVideo on the externalisation of European migration policies
“This short, educational video was produced by Migreurop and CCFD-Terre Solidaire.
Since its creation, Migreurop has been documenting the externalisation of European migration policies. The aim of these externalisation policies is to keep people on the move as far away from Europe as possible, whatever the consequences for migrants’ rights. To this end, the EU and its member states bargain with so-called "third" countries (of origin and transit), to which they subcontract the management of migratory movements. In so doing, they shirk their obligations under the international conventions they have ratified.”
Transnational Institute, 14 FebruaryThe Everywhere Border Digital Migration Control Infrastructure in the Americas
“The arrests and Ambassador Dueholm’s praise reflect the critical role of covert surveillance and data-driven ‘smart’ technologies in US migration-control practices operating deep within countries outside the US. Over the past twenty years, the US (and other wealthy countries) have made strides to externalise border-control regimes well beyond their actual territory. This often involves effectively enrolling agencies in other countries in migrant surveillance, policing, and exclusion.”
Civil liberties
Solomon, 30 JuneGreek Border Guards call on Solomon to retract investigation which reveals they stole more than €2 million from refugees
“The Union of Evros Border Guards demands that Solomon removes from its website the investigation that revealed how in recent years members of the Greek security forces have stolen more than €2 million from refugees during pushbacks.”
UN Human Rights, 23 JuneTunisia: Crackdown on media freedoms
“UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Friday expressed deep concern at the increasing restrictions on the right to freedom of expression and press freedom in Tunisia, noting that vague legislation is being used to criminalize independent journalism and stifle criticism of the authorities.”
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, 23 JuneTransnational repression as a growing threat to the rule of law and human rights
Resolution adopted on 23 June: “The Assembly is alarmed about the number and gravity of acts of transnational repression committed in Europe, including on the territory of some member States.”
Politico Europe, 23 JuneGreek election looks set to strengthen Mitsotakis’ power
“ATHENS — Greece’s conservatives are set for a resounding victory in Sunday’s elections with leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis destined to return to the prime minister’s office in a far stronger position to advance investor-friendly reforms.”
UN Special Rapporteur, JuneCivil Society Under Attack: A global study in defense of civic space
“Today, counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism are being used to target and attack civic space across the globe.”
Law
AlgorithmWatch, 4 JulyBattle in Strasbourg: Civil society fights for safeguards against AI harms
“With negotiations on a Convention on Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Council of Europe entering a crucial stage, a joint statement by AlgorithmWatch and ten other civil society organizations reminds negotiating states of their mandate: to protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. To adhere to this mandate and to counter both narrow state interest and companies’ lobbying, the voice of civil society must be listened to.”
The Arrested Lawyers Initiative, 23 JuneParliamentary event on targeted human rights sanctions with a focus on Turkey
“On Monday 26th June 2023, as a part of Turkey Human Rights Accountability Project, the Arrested Lawyers Initiative organised an event in collaboration with IBAHRI, REDRESS and Human Rights Solidarity which was hosted by Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws in the UK Parliament.”
Policing
INQUEST, 5 JulyUK: Supreme Court rule on police conduct law and dismiss appeal of officer who shot Jermaine Baker
“The Supreme Court has today dismissed an appeal from the officer who fatally shot Jermaine Baker, and ruled that the civil law test on the use of force applies to police conduct decisions.
This is the end of a long legal case by the firearms officer, known as W80, who was seeking to challenge the decision of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to bring gross misconduct proceedings against them. “
The Progressive Post, 5 JulyThe EU’s dangerous proposal for stopping online child sexual abuse material
“Child sexual abuse material is a horror, causing long-term harm to victims. Numbers are increasing: the US National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which collects and shares child sexual abuse material evidence with authorised parties, reported 29 million cases of online sexual exploitation in 2021. This is a factor of 10 increase over 2011 and a 40 per cent increase of Internet videos of child sexual abuse between 2020 and 2021. Yet most computer security experts and privacy advocates strongly oppose the EU proposal that online providers must recognise and remove all known child sexual abuse material, detect new abuse materials and ‘grooming’ (enticing and luring a minor into a sexually abusive situation). There simply is no technology to do this.”
See: European Commission must withdraw new law to uphold online privacy, security and free expression
UK: Online Safety Bill: WhatsApp, Signal issue stark final warning against mass snooping of messages
“The heads of three major messaging apps have exclusively told The Standard that the Online Safety Bill, which is facing one of its final votes this week, will lead to the mass surveillance of every private online message and will destroy London’s reputation as a place to do business if the bill passes into law.”
See: UK must protect global digital security and safeguard private communication
Security Architectures in the EU, 4 JulyStatistics on the use of firearms by German police for 2022: Eleven people killed, 30 injured
“German police officers shot people 60 times last year, mostly justified as self-defence, but also to “prevent crime”. The fatal shots are often fired at people who are in exceptional situations or who are affected by discrimination.”
euronews, 4 JulyMoney spent by EU on migration policy becoming 'complex' to track - expert
“The web of funds going towards the externalisation of the contentious issue is getting much wider.
The EU's policy of externalisation in managing migration flows is making it increasingly difficult to follow the trail of money, as demonstrated by the memorandum of understanding that the European Commission is set to sign with the Tunisian government.”
See: Access denied: Secrecy and the externalisation of EU migration control
Effimera, 3 JulyLe rivolte delle banlieues francesi – di Salvatore Palidd
The revolt of the French banlieues: after youths from the suburbs were criticised for lack of involvement in the pension reform protests, the focus shifted to police racism after Nahel's death.
Desarmon-Les, 3 JulySTATEMENT OF THE “DESARMONS-LES!” COLLECTIVE AFTER THE RIOTS FOLLOWING NAHEL’S DEATH
“In France, a policeman who kills is not tried. Sometimes accused, always exonerated.
How many police officers have been sentenced to more than 18 months suspended prison sentences and to fines of over 3,000 euros? How many police officers have been dismissed and banned from their duties? How many police officers have been banned from carrying weapons? We know the answer, which the public mostly ignores, and which even most journalists ignore. You can search, but you won’t find a single one. Impunity is total.
At this point, it’s no longer impunity, it’s immunity.”
The Guardian, 30 JuneFrance police shooting: violence erupts for a third consecutive night
“Violence has erupted for a third consecutive night in France as Emmanuel Macron struggles to contain mounting anger after the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old boy of north African descent during a traffic stop in a Paris suburb.”
Liberation, 30 JuneMort de Nahel : les syndicats Alliance et Unsa-Police se disent «en guerre» contre des «nuisibles», la gauche dénonce une «menace de sédition»
“Dans un communiqué publié ce 30 juin, les deux syndicats pesant près de 50 % chez les policiers appellent à «imposer le calme» à «ces hordes sauvages», en menaçant d’entrer «en résistance». La gauche s’indigne d’un «appel à la guerre civile».”
Sky News, 30 JuneUK: Police spies, sex and lies: report finds undercover tactics unjustified
“The Met concedes that a "legacy of hurt" has been caused by the "unacceptable and immoral behaviour" of some officers - but says undercover policing has been transformed and is nothing like it was decades ago.”
Statewatch, 29 June
In a tweet (pictured below), a French police trade union congratulated the police officers who killed a 17-year-old boy, Nahel. They blamed his parents for his death, saying they were "incapable of educating their son".
Sarajevo Times, 23 JuneBosnia and Herzegovina established full Cooperation with Europol
“Bosnia and Herzegovina has established full cooperation with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL) by opening new premises of the National/Joint Contact Point of BiH in the Greece-Bosnia and Herzegovina Friendship Building.”
BBC News, 23 JuneErnest Moret: Arrested French publisher faces no further action
“A French publisher who was arrested using anti-terror laws as he arrived in London will face no further action, the Metropolitan Police has said.
Ernest Moret, 28, was searched under counter-terrorism legislation after travelling from Paris in April, bailed and later released under investigation.
His employer claimed he was stopped over his alleged involvement in French pension age protests.”
Council of the EU, 21 JuneAir travel data: Council adopts position on EU laws about data collection and processing
“The EU member states ambassadors today agreed on the Council’s negotiating mandate for two legislative proposals on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information. Advance passenger information (API) contains identification details from the travel document and basic flight information. The goal of the two draft laws is to facilitate border management at the EU’s external borders as well as to fight terrorism and serious crime.”
Background: EU: Member states ponder blanket police surveillance of ferry, rail and bus passengers
Swedish Council Presidency, 21 JuneEU-US joint statement following the EU-US Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs
Includes: “The United States and the European Union discussed the U.S. Enhanced Border Security Partnership and the value of bilateral information sharing under this program. They also expressed their intent to discuss future cooperation at the EU level.”
See: USA border plan requires “continuous and systematic” transfers of biometric data (28 April)
Privacy and data protection
People vs Big Tech, 3 JulyOpen Letter to the EU Commission regarding UK's data bill
“The undersigned organisations and individuals are deeply concerned about the UK government’s Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill, which would turn the UK into a “leaky valve” that undermines the data protection rights of European citizens.”
Racism and discrimination
Security Architectures in the EU, 26 JunePostings in right-wing police chat groups in Germany often go without prosecution
“The public prosecutor’s office has dropped almost all proceedings against 16 SEK police officers in Münster for right-wing, misogynist and child pornography content. The reasoning is surprising.”
The Guardian, 19 JuneUK: Unit tasked with reforming Home Office after Windrush scandal being disbanded
“The Home Office unit responsible for reforming the department after the Windrush crisis has been quietly disbanded, after the UK home secretary, Suella Braverman, let it be known that she believes it is time to “move on”, the Guardian has learned.”
Security and intelligence
Middle East Eye, 23 JuneCIA used image of Hajj pilgrims to showcase surveillance and AI capabilities
“The CIA used a photo of pilgrims attending the Hajj to illustrate the potential capabilities of new surveillance and artificial intelligence technologies, Middle East Eye can reveal.
Digital rights and Muslim civil society organisations said the use of the photo highlighted grave concerns about fast-developing tools such as facial recognition software and was part of a pattern of Islamophobia within intelligence and law enforcement agencies in which Muslims were portrayed as a threat.”
Surveillance
ECHR, 4 JulyCASE OF GLUKHIN v. RUSSIA
“Art 10 • Freedom of expression • Unjustified administrative offence conviction of a peaceful solo demonstrator, using a life-size cardboard figure of a political activist with a banner, for failure to submit prior notification • Authorities’ failure to show requisite degree of tolerance • Failure to adduce “relevant or sufficient reasons”
Art 8 • Private life • Unjustified processing of applicant’s personal biometric data by using highly intrusive facial recognition technology in administrative offence proceedings in order to identify, locate and arrest him • Use of such technology to identify and arrest peaceful protesters capable of having a chilling effect on rights to freedom of expression and assembly • In implementing facial recognition technology, need for detailed rules governing the scope and application of measures as well as strong safeguards against the risk of abuse and arbitrariness • Even greater need for safeguards when live facial recognition technology used • Interference not corresponding to a “pressing social need””
Privacy International, 27 June
BAD NEWS - The UK government has just quietly decided that it would further extend by 6 months the “Pilot” through which it can tag any person who arrives to the UK via “unnecessary and dangerous routes”
See: Home Office: Immigration bail conditions: Electronic monitoring (EM) expansion pilot (pdf)
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