Panousis revelations cause a stir

Less than 24 hours after he submitted names and documentation to the prosecutor, strong criticism was hurled at the former minister by members of his own party. A number of SYRIZA ministers played down the death threats that Panousis had received while in office stating that his accusations were based on “crime fiction” rather than hard facts.

On his part, Justice Minister Nikos Paraskevopoulos admitted that his advisor and member of the SYRIZA’s political secretariat, Panos Lambros, had conversations with inmates. In a radio interview, he said that it is desirable for officials to have contact with inmates, while also keeping a distance.

SYRIZA Government Spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili, along with other ministers took a line against Panousis despite admission from party members that there had been conversations between government officials and  members of the terrorist organization, Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire. These conversations are now in the spotlight, excerpts of which have been broadcast.