Socialists pass changes to spy service law

Albania’s ruling Socialists have approved changes to the law on the state intelligence service, despite opposition warnings that the government could gain more influence over it.

The draft passed in a parliamentary committee, with the opposition voting against it.

The law had not been changed since 2005.

Opposition MP Oerd Bylykbashi said the wording on “internal stability” could allow the service to monitor protesters, opposition groups or civil society.

The intelligence service rejected the claim, saying it is overseen by parliament, the president and a prime ministerial inspector.

The draft also updates old wording in the law and changes the formal name of the service.

It would also remove asset declaration checks for intelligence service employees.