The two former witnesses, now defendants, are set to stand trial before the Single-Member Misdemeanor Court of Athens on March 7, 2025.

Following the conclusion of an investigation by the Athens District Court Prosecutor’s Office, which was launched after their witness protection status was revoked, authorities decided to bring criminal charges against them for their testimonies in the high-profile corruption case.

Political pressure and legal action

Both witnesses had previously testified in the Novartis bribery case, which implicated several high-ranking Greek politicians. In response, dozens of lawsuits were filed against them by political figures who claimed they had been falsely accused.

Among those who sought the removal of their protected status were:

  • Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras
  • Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras
  • Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis
  • Former Minister Andreas Loverdos

In July 2024, Antonis Samaras formally requested the disclosure of their identities before the Economic Crime Prosecutor, seeking their reclassification from “public interest witnesses”, the removal of their protection, and the initiation of legal proceedings against them for false testimony and defamation.

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