Varro Vooglaid wished to participate in the meeting of the Riigikogu Security Authorities Supervision Committee. There, Kapo Director General Margo Palloson spoke about Estonia's security situation. However, committee chair Maris Lauri did not allow Vooglaid to participate. She said that Vooglaid did not have a need to know.
Vooglaid believed that all Riigikogu members should be able to listen to the security situation. He said that usually, MPs can participate in committee meetings without being members. However, this time it did not work. Vooglaid asked if Lauri decides herself who has the right to listen.
Maris Lauri said that the decision was based on the law. She explained that anyone who accesses state secrets must be checked for a need to know. Lauri added that if someone is interested in knowing something, it does not mean they need to know it.
The Kapo briefing is classified. Lauri said that Kapo shares information only with committee members. She explained that as committee chair, it is her duty to assess whether someone has a need to know. Lauri said that Vooglaid can contact Kapo directly if he wants to obtain information.
Vooglaid responded that a Kapo representative could not speak on a classified topic in faction rooms. He said that if he were a substitute member, he would have the right to attend the meeting. Vooglaid found that he should have the same rights as others.
Vooglaid said that clearer rules are needed. He asked the Riigikogu Board to ensure that the rules are clear to everyone. Lauri advised Vooglaid to read the State Secrets Act. Riigikogu Speaker Lauri Hussar said that the committee chair has a duty to check the need to know.