The former Minister of National Defense Akis Tsohatzopoulos is expected to testify in court today to defend himself against charges of bribery.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stated to VIMA that the government council of National Defense (KYSEA) “is also on trial and the reliability of the supreme institution is being judged as suspect for bribery”, adding that he is the victim of a “political conspiracy” while rejecting all charges.
Paramount tot he former PASOK minister’s defense are his discussions with Prime Minister Simitis during the Imia crisis in 1996. After the crisis it was decided to proceed with “a complete overhaul of the Armed Forces, with a new political and military structure”. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos claims he “contacted foreign leaders, on a political level” on the matter and decided on related matters always in agreement with the KYSEA.
The former Minister will also take an aggressive stance against the courts for the treatment of himself and his wife. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos consistently maintains that his wife Vicky Stamati is innocent and wondered “how it is possible for her to still be detained, she is the mother of an underage child and has recently undergone an operation”.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos’ attorney Yannis Pagoropoulos also insisted that “the trial is deeply political” and stated that he “will also speak politically. The people know. Everyone will get their answers”.
