The former Minister of National Defense Akis Tsohatzopoulos admitted that “it was a mistake” purchasing a luxurious apartment in an affluent area in downtown Athens, since “nothing would have happened” if he had chosen another.
At yesterday’s session Mr. Tsohatzopoulos consistently denied all charges and accusations, maintaining that everything against has been fabricated by PASOK’s secret service agency (he implicated Michalis Karhimakis). In the case of the submarine deal, he also claimed that brokerage firms were also involved.
Most of the questions posed were related to documents and evidence seized from his personal office, with the former Minister claiming the evidence is in violation of personal data legislation. He also suggested that many of the documents and notes incriminating him were retrieved from his cousin’s office (which is in the same house).
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos refused to comment on and disputed the evidence and testimonies of his co-defendants, especially his cousin Nikos Zigras. The former Minister also refused to be cross examined with Mr. Zigras. In response, Mr. Zigras’ attorney Stelios Garipis hinted that his client would make further revelations.
When asked about his dealings with Giorgos Sachpatzidis, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos claimed he “didn’t remember that well”, but admitted receiving “a sum of money” and being told that the businessman would support him via PAOK and Pontic expatriates from Russia who settled in Thessaloniki. Nevertheless, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos tried to downplay and brush over these dealings.
Regarding the dealings with Drumilan and the other off shore firms, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos responded that the evidence was “fabricated from a law firm at different eras”. Likewise, he claimed that a number of documented cash transactions were “complete lies”.
