Germany passes spy law

Germany's upper house of parliament approved a controversial constitutional amendment that would restore police surveillance powers outlawed since the Nazi era. The amendment, much criticised by civil rights groups, will give police broad eavesdropping powers withheld after the war in reaction to the arbitrary rule of the Gestapo. Electronic surveillance is currently only allowed in Germany if there is an overwhelming suspicion that a crime is on the verge of being committed.

- Reuters, Bonn