A tightening of the espionage paragraph demanded by the Greens only makes sense if the “defense”, i.e. the capabilities of the intelligence services, are also strengthened, Nehammer told journalists on the sidelines of his trip to Paris.
The Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) as well as military intelligence services must be given “more instruments” to be able to take action once morest enemy intelligence services, because “spies do not expose themselves on their own,” said the Chancellor.
Specifically, this involves eavesdropping on encrypted messenger services or making it easier to confiscate suspicious technical equipment. The authorities are currently not in a position to “expose cover identities.”
More on the subject:
“Great Reminder”
Currently, Section 256 of the Criminal Code states: “Anyone who sets up or operates a secret intelligence service or supports such an intelligence service to the detriment of the Republic of Austria shall be punished with a prison sentence of six months to five years.” A mere tightening of the law would be “wrong”; without the additional powers for secret services, nothing would change in practice, explained Nehammer.
In any case, he takes the investigation results “very seriously”; the case is a “matter of national security” and “a big warning to us,” emphasized Nehammer. “Clarity and “urgent clarification” are needed to see “what else is coming to light.”
