Former ministers Kostas Tsiaras and Notis Mitarakis appeared in person at the offices of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, having been summoned as suspects in the investigation into OPEKEPE subsidies. Both categorically denied any wrongdoing, expressing their confidence in the institutions and the justice system.
Notis Mitarakis appeared without requesting a deadline for his explanations, emphasizing that he is ready to refute all the issues raised by the European prosecutors. “I am appearing without requesting a deadline.
I wish for the immediate clarification of the case. I have not committed any illegal act. I have acted within the framework of the constitution and the law. I have confidence in the institutions and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office,” Mr. Mitarakis emphasized. According to his defense attorney, the alleged damages attributed to him amount to zero.
Kostas Tsiaras also chose to appear in person, noting that his brief will prove that there is no damage to the Greek State. “I am appearing in person because I believe that my brief will prove all the evidence of my innocence and that there was no damage to the Greek state. I have said it before: I have confidence in the Greek justice system, ” said Mr. Tsiaras.
The lawyer for the two former ministers, Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, stated that the report by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office’s special advisor, Paraskevi Tycheropoulou, significantly reduces the amount of the alleged damage: “For the Papakosta case, 7,000 euros, while for Notis Mitarakis, 0 euros.”
As she stated, this evidence supports her clients’ position that they have not committed any criminal offense.