OPEKEPE: Called to Explain to EU Prosecutor Today
Approximately 50 people including OPEKE officials and farmers appear before European prosecutors today to give explanations in an illegal subsidies investigation, with 11 New Democracy MPs scheduled for Friday.
OPEKE: Round of Explanations Begins Today at the European Public Prosecutor’s Office Over Illegal Subsidies
Approximately 50 people, including organization officials and farmers, are summoned today, while 11 New Democracy MPs will give explanations on Friday
All eyes turn to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office today. Approximately fifty people connected to the case of illegal subsidies through OPEKE in 2021 are called to give explanations before the assigned European prosecutors.
On the list of suspects are officials of the Organization, farmers and private individuals. Among the non-political figures appearing today is former OPEKE president Dimitris Melas, general directors, heads of services and auditors.
According to information, most of those under investigation are expected to request an extension to submit written explanations and memoranda. Some will appear in person at the offices of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office on Loukaros Street, while others will be represented by their lawyers.
On Friday, it is the turn of 11 New Democracy MPs, following the lifting of their immunity by Parliament. European prosecutors Popi Papadreau and Dionysis Mouzakis will receive their explanations.
The offences attributed to them in each case concern:
- moral complicity in infidelity
- computer fraud
- false certification
Of the eleven MPs, nine are being investigated for misdemeanours and two for felonies. Some may not request an extension and may submit statements immediately, as they have already been informed of the content of the case file from its transmission to Parliament.
The procedure is unfolding in parallel with the intense debate sparked by an amendment from the Ministry of Justice on the expedited trial of cases involving political figures. The provision sets short time frames for misdemeanours and priority for felonies with special investigating judges.
The head of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, Laura Covassi, expressed reservations about the compatibility of the provision with European regulations governing the operation of EPPO.
Following the reactions, the Ministry of Justice proceeded with legislative improvements, aiming to clarify that the operating framework of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in Greece is not being affected.
