The European Parliament (EP) has voted overwhelmingly not to refer the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) for judicial review, but instead to strike while the iron is hot and vote on the treaty this June. […]
« The Commission and the rapporteur’s tricks have been avoided, » said Jérémie Zimmermann, spokesperson for internet rights group La Quadrature du Net, in a statement, « and the Parliament can now proceed with its works on ACTA. MEPs will have to shed the light on the democratic and political issues raised by ACTA, such as the extra-judicial measures aimed at stepping up the repression of online sharing. » […]
Pro- and anti-ACTA forces now have a clear deadline to work towards, and will be marshaling their forces to mobilize support. So far over two million people have signed a petition against ACTA, and the EP vote will determine whether Germany, Poland, and other EU states will ratify the agreement.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/03/27/european_parliament_votes_acta_review/