Armenia proposes bill allowing Foreign Intelligence Service independent wiretaps

Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service could be granted authority to conduct independent surveillance operations, including wiretaps, under proposed legislative amendments presented to the parliament on Wednesday.

Kristinne Grigoryan, head of the service, told lawmakers the draft law aims to address gaps identified in the existing legal framework and to formalize operational practices. The reforms would allow the agency to carry out digital and telephone interception measures autonomously, using its own technical infrastructure, rather than relying on the National Security Service.

The bill also seeks to clarify procedures governing personnel appointments and transfers within the agency, which are currently not regulated by law. Additional provisions include expanded leave entitlements, such as paternity leave and childcare leave for male officers, as well as extra vacation days tied to long-term service.

Further amendments would define the conditions under which officers may use physical force, weapons, and special equipment, while empowering the agency head to regulate their issuance and storage.

Grigoryan added that the proposal would enable early removal of disciplinary penalties and introduce a requirement that senior leadership positions be held exclusively by Armenian citizens.