The former Minister of National Defense Akis Tsohatzopoulos claimed that the charges brought against him came from “political and judicial centers of power” that are based on “desires from above”.
In his testimony Mr. Tsohatzopoulos avoided making any reference to the evidence against him, the cash flows and off-shore companies tied to him. Instead, he attempted to give a political dimension to the case.
The former Minister claimed that the charges against him were fabricated and claimed that PASOK and its former leader Giorgos Papandreou personally wanted his elimination, while judges (include ones present in the case) assisted in bringing charges against him.
He also reiterated his request to summon the members of the Government Council on National Defense (KYSEA) during his tenure, especially former PM Kostas Simitis. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos asserted that summoning the other KYSEA members would “lead to the crux of the matter”.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos claimed that “Parliament was manipulated” and that no other minister has been attacked as viciously as he has since the regime change in 1974. He also expressed his fear that the course of justice in his case would be perverted.
The former Minister explained that there was a conspiracy against him from PASOK, during Mr. Papandreou’s tenure as party leader. He also noted that the charges against him are a variation of the parliamentary committee’s conclusions, which he claims was manipulated by Mr. Papandreou.
In conclusion Mr. Tsohatzopoulos expressed his astonishment to being prrsecuted after forty years of involvement in politics, adding that he always made sure to serve the public interest.
