Greece arrests former defense minister
Source: Agencies |
April 12, 2012, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
A former Greek cabinet minister was arrested yesterday on money-laundering charges, in the most high-profile case against a politician over scandals spanning decades in the debt-laden country.
Television showed images of plainclothes police officers leading Akis Tsohatzopoulos away from his luxurious neo-classical mansion at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens. His purchase of the mansion prompted the investigation.
Greek authorities have stepped up arrests of tax dodgers and offenders in an attempt to win popular backing for painful austerity measures that form the backbone of the country's EU/IMF bailout.
But the 72-year-old who last served as minister in 2004, is the only prominent politician to be arrested so far. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Even though corruption and cronyism are endemic in Greece, no politician has been tried or convicted in recent years, fueling people's frustration with established parties ahead of a general election on May 6.
Tsohatzopoulos, who has held various portfolios including defense, faces felony charges over property deals and possible tax violations, a court official said on condition of anonymity.
Tsohatzopoulos nearly became prime minister in 1996, when he was narrowly defeated in an internal party vote.
Television showed images of plainclothes police officers leading Akis Tsohatzopoulos away from his luxurious neo-classical mansion at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens. His purchase of the mansion prompted the investigation.
Greek authorities have stepped up arrests of tax dodgers and offenders in an attempt to win popular backing for painful austerity measures that form the backbone of the country's EU/IMF bailout.
But the 72-year-old who last served as minister in 2004, is the only prominent politician to be arrested so far. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Even though corruption and cronyism are endemic in Greece, no politician has been tried or convicted in recent years, fueling people's frustration with established parties ahead of a general election on May 6.
Tsohatzopoulos, who has held various portfolios including defense, faces felony charges over property deals and possible tax violations, a court official said on condition of anonymity.
Tsohatzopoulos nearly became prime minister in 1996, when he was narrowly defeated in an internal party vote.
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