Social Democrats want thorough investigation into ABL scandal

The opposition Social Democrats have demanded a thorough investigation into claims that a security agency formerly owned by Transport Minister Vit Barta had shadowed leading Prague politicians. Acting Social Democrat chairman Bohuslav Sobotka said that if the allegations, which appeared in Thursday’s Mlada fronta Dnes, are confirmed then the prime minister should sack both the transport minister and Interior Minister Radek John, a close associate from the same party Public Affairs. Mr. Sobotka also called for legislation which would regulate the activities of security agencies operating on Czech territory.

Politicians across the political spectrum have expressed concern over the allegations, pointing out that sensitive information collected about public officials not only violates their privacy but opens the door to corruption. Minister Barta has denied the claims and announced that his brother who now owns the ABL security agency would sue the paper over the story.