EU politicians demand probe into US spy claims

The European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee is to hold an inquiry into claims that the United States has been engaged in surveillance of European citizens and diplomats. The inquiry is to report by the end of 2013.

In a resolution passed yesterday, the parliament, sitting in Strasbourg, expressed “serious concern” over US surveillance programmes, and condemned spying on EU representations.

The parliament also declared its support for the rights of whistleblowers.

Earlier this week, Index on Censorship called on the European Union to uphold the rights of whistleblower Edward Snowden, who revealed the National Security Agency’s PRISM surveillance programme.