New wiretapping law passed

Armenia's parliament on Oct. 22 passed a law that allows
law-enforcement authorities to wire-tap any telephone conversation
without a court authorization. The vote was 65 in favor, 3 opposed,
with 8 abstentions.

Law enforcement agencies will have to obtain a court warrant within
72 hours of beginning wiretapping.

The Armenian government, which drafted the law, says it is aimed at
making it easier for the police, the National Security Service, tax
collectors, and the customs service to combat and investigate various
crimes, RFE/RL reported.