“With the decision of the Athens Public Prosecutor’s Office for First Instance and its final confirmation today by the Athens Public Prosecutor’s Office for Appeals, the case file that unjustly tormented me has been closed. After a thorough investigation, justice has prevailed,” stated Mr. Tassos Hatzivassiliou, Member of Parliament for Serres and Secretary of International Relations and EU Affairs for the New Democracy party.
Mr. Hatzivassiliou emphasized that from the very beginning he had expressed his confidence in the Greek justice system, while clarifying that the case in question had no connection to the illegal activities being investigated at OPEKEPE. In the same context, he emphasized that the case file itself stated that he had not attempted any illegal act against European interests.
In his statement, the Serres MP recalled that he had requested the lifting of his parliamentary immunity in order to provide the necessary explanations before the courts and bring the case to a definitive close.
Mr. Hatzivassiliou also pointed out that if the competent prosecutorial authorities delayed in examining the case, it would become time-barred by 2026, resulting in an unjust stigma remaining against him.
In closing, he emphasized that “in a state governed by the rule of law, the presumption of innocence applies” and added that he continues his daily work for the benefit of his fellow citizens in Serres, who consistently honor him with their trust.
Statement by Tassos Hatzivassiliou:
“I have always had, and continue to have, confidence in the Greek justice system.
With the decision of the Athens Public Prosecutor’s Office and its final confirmation today by the Athens Court of Appeals, the case file that unjustly tormented me has been closed. After a thorough investigation, the justice system has reached its verdict.
I would like to remind you that this case had absolutely no connection to the illegal activities being investigated by OPEKEPE. From the very beginning, I openly requested the lifting of my parliamentary immunity, despite the fact that the case file itself stated that I had not attempted any illegal act against European interests. I went to the Athens Public Prosecutor’s Office and provided my explanations both orally and in writing, in order to definitively close this matter. It should be noted that, if the competent prosecutorial authorities delayed in examining the case, it would become time-barred by 2026. In that case, the result would be that a stigma would unjustly remain attached to me.
In a state governed by the rule of law, the presumption of innocence applies. I continue my daily work for the benefit of my fellow citizens in Serres, who consistently honor me with their trust.”