Health Minister on lifting of Novartis witness protection: “Witnesses are irrelevant figures” – renews SYRIZA ‘fraud’ accusations
Georgiadis maintained that the two witnesses, whose protection was revoked by the Financial Prosecutor’s Office, are “irrelevant and insignificant figures.” He claimed the real issue lies with those who allegedly directed them, furthering his argument of a deliberate “SYRIZA scum.” He remarked, “If these two simply woke up one day and decided to accuse Georgiadis of taking money from Frouzis, I don’t buy it.”
In response to the court’s decision, Georgiadis has announced plans to pursue legal action against the two witnesses now that their protection has been lifted. “The lawsuit I had filed was archived due to the protection granted to them, but now that protection is gone, I am moving forward,” he stated, adding that the revocation of their protected status reopens the statute of limitations on his case.
Georgiadis emphasised that he does not trust the witnesses, but insisted that due process must unfold in court to expose the truth behind the case. He underscored his position on fair legal process, asserting, “Unless proven in court, I will not make accusations.” He also took aim at SYRIZA, warning of legal action against anyone, including political rivals, who would question his integrity. “You can criticise me politically, but I won’t tolerate any questioning of my moral constitution,” he said, adding that he has already filed lawsuits against figures like SYRIZA’s Theodora Tzakri for recent statements.
Regarding coordination with other accused figures, Georgiadis clarified that while he has been in communication with former officials implicated in the case, each is pursuing legal recourse independently. “I have my legal team and will take my own steps,” he explained, describing his conversations with Samaras, Loverdos, and others also implicated.
Georgiadis criticised the original handling of the case by prosecutors, especially Elena Touloupaki, alleging that the prosecutor’s office granted protected witness status “prematurely to unreliable individuals.” He contended that this damaged the institution of protected witnesses, saying, “When these people were granted protection without credible evidence, it undermined the system.” Citing the American approach to witness protection, he argued that if a witness’s information does not lead to conviction, their protected status should be automatically revoked.
The former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras also weighed in, asserting that the removal of witness protection clears the way for “full and official disclosure of the Novartis case.” Samaras said, “This decision paves the way to reveal the real causes and actors behind this travesty. The truth is coming, and with it accountability.”
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