EP president condemns ACTA treaty as citizens protest across the globe

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) has come under fire from the president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, who said he has several concerns with the controversial legislation.

Speaking to Germany's ARD news service and translated by EUobserver.com Schulz underlined the concerns of many with the proposed legislation, arguing that it fails to address the rights of internet users.

"The necessary balance between the two - protection of copyright on the one hand and fundamental rights of [internet] users on the other - is very poorly enshrined in this treaty," he said.

"I do not think that with the current draft treaty ... progress has been made."

His comments come as citizens around the world took to the streets on Saturday to protest against the legislation in cities including Paris, Toulouse and Dublin as well as in London.

Peter Bradwell of the Open Rights Group, who was in attendance at the protests in London, said in a blog post that the level of opposition shown by citizens of the European Union should convince European leaders to vote against the proposed law.

"ACTA is an insult to democracy and a threat to the internet as a tool to enhance freedom of expression, privacy, and innovation. Its vagaries and imbalances put the interests and power of businesses over those of citizens," he said.

"The European Parliament has a chance to reject the agreement and stand up for those they represent. Now is the time to convince Members of the European Parliament of this."

The European Parliament will vote on whether to accept ACTA as part of European law after 22 European member states, including the UK, signed the document with their official approval in January.

However, several European nations have already showed their unwillingness to back the treaty, with the German and Polish governments both saying they are concerned by the legislation and want to reassess the document.