Julian
Assange’s predicament leaves no one indifferent, in our part of the world. He
has scores of supporters. Also, plenty of detractors. His personality, not just
his deeds, is deeply controversial. I will not enter that discussion.
However,
I recognise that, thanks to his initiative, it has been possible to demonstrate
that a good number of actions taken by powerful Western governments, under the
cover of national security and defence, surpassed the limits of what can be considered
legitimate. Basic rights and values have been shaken by such actions.
And
that brings back a fundamental question that remains unresolved in our
democracies. The systems in place do not ensure a proper democratic, ethical
and legal control of some undercover operations carried out by special military
forces, or by specific police and intelligence services within the security
apparatus. It has become obvious that our parliaments are not prepared to
exercise such oversight. They intrinsically lack the competence and the
political strength to carry out that role. And the justice machinery is
basically in the same position of weakness.
I
think it is time to envisage the creation of a constitutional body that would
bring together a small number of elders, a group of sages who have reached the
end of their professional ambitions and careers, and have behind them an
immaculate life history, a public image of great credibility. This would be a top-level
group mandated to oversee and assess complex legal and ethics practices as
carried out by special government agencies. Such independent panel would report
to an appropriate parliamentary committee.
This
move would certainly respond to some key interrogations that we ought to deal
with, based on what Assange and Wikileaks have revealed.
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