The Center for Democratic Transition (CDT) called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) to act on the order of the Agency for Personal Data Protection and Free Access to Information (AZLP) and provide them with information and documents on the emblems of special police units.
The CDT said that the AZLP accepted their appeal and ordered the Ministry of Interior to issue a decision on the request for free access to information, which was submitted on February 15, within 11 days.
"With this decision of the AZLP, it was confirmed that the Ministry of Interior violated the Law on Free Access to Information because it did not decide on the request within the legal deadline, nor did it submit the requested data," the statement said.
The CDT requested information and documents on the emblems of special police units – the Anti-Terrorist Unit, the Special Police Unit and the Counter-Sabotage Protection Group, including documents and information on the procedure for changes, possible competitions for new solutions, as well as information on the authors of these solutions.
The NGO said they submitted the request because they believe that citizens have the right to know how the symbols of the institutions that represent them are being changed.
As they stated, the lack of response from the Ministry of Interior demonstrates a worrying practice of ignoring well-intentioned initiatives and violating legally guaranteed rights.
The CDT called on the Ministry of Interior to act without delay upon the Agency's order, issue a decision, and ensure full transparency regarding the requested information.
"Changes to police insignia must not be carried out in secret, nor must decisions concerning the symbols of the state and its institutions be made without the knowledge of the public," the statement said.
The CDT said that they expect the Ministry of Interior to show responsibility and respect for the laws, but also for the citizens who pay for them and whom they represent.
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