Hospital unionist faces prosecutor after being caught accepting bribe to stop protest
The head of the union representing workers at Sotiria Hospital in Athens has been arrested for blackmail, illegal possession of weapons and resisting arrest.
The 45-year-old is alleged to have demanded 50,000 euros in cash to call off a protest by workers. He was arrested after a sting operation in which he picked up the cash in marked bills from the hospital director’s home.
Police said the suspect hit officers in his attempt to evade arrest on Monday. During a search of his home, police found a handgun, two stiletto knives, a collapsible baton and a shotgun.
The unionist is due to face a prosecutor on Tuesday.
Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis vowed to clamp down on cases of corruption. “Today, it has been made absolutely clear that those who shout are not always right,” he said. “And those who shout in favor of people’s rights are not always as innocent as many believe.”
