“With reference to the recent fatal traffic accident on a central avenue in Limassol, as well as the new criminal activity that occurred yesterday on a central avenue in Aglantzia and the subsequent efforts of the Police to gather information from closed-circuit surveillance systems of shops or residences in each area, the absolute necessity of installing closed-circuit surveillance systems on all central avenues, in all major parks, and on all bustling public squares is once again highlighted. These systems would operate under the responsibility of the respective Municipalities and the Police,” stated the DIKO MP Chrysis Pantelidis, in a written statement.
As he pointed out, “the installation of such closed-circuit surveillance systems will significantly enhance the sense of security for citizens on the roads and in public spaces, prevent potential criminal activities, and enable the investigation of criminal actions and accidents when they occur.”
“Excessive concerns about violations of citizens’ privacy can be effectively alleviated since there are laws, regulations, and operating procedures for these systems, which, I emphasize, will be under the control and responsibility of designated institutions, such as Municipalities and the Police, always in cooperation with the Office of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection,” he noted.
Furthermore, as he stated, “we are not reinventing the wheel. Closed-circuit surveillance systems have been operating for years on central avenues, in major parks, and public squares in all major urban centers of the rest of the European Union.”
At the same time, he mentioned that “the reform of Local Government, which comes into full effect this coming summer, provides the opportunity for the new Municipalities and the Police to collaborate and promptly proceed with the installation of such closed-circuit surveillance systems.”
“The protection and safety of citizens take precedence. Such a measure will not restrict private life or human freedoms at all. The only ones it will restrict are criminals, who will not be able to act with impunity,” he concluded.
