Ex-MP accused of confidentiality breach released on bail
A former Socialist minister accused of breaching state secrets legislation was on Friday released on bail of 1 million euros and banned from leaving the country.
Charges against Michalis Karchimakis were brought after a former official of the Greek Intelligence Service (EYP) accused the politician of possessing a classified document that was addressed to the prime minister of the time, as well the ministers of defense and public order.
In his defense, Karchimakis said the documents had arrived at his office inside an envelope from an anonymous source in 2007 and that he had subsequently used the information to ask questions in Parliament.
Karchimakis, who denies the charges, said the accusations that have been made against him are politically motivated. His attorney asked for the bail to be reduced, saying that the terms imposed by the court were excessive.
“Perhaps with the views which I courageously, steadfastly and stubbornly expressed, I disturbed certain people and made enemies,” said Karchimakis adding that his patriotism had never been brought into question.
His party also reacted to the decision. In a statement, PASOK said there had been no misuse of public funds, while speaking of “conspiracy theories which are an insult to common sense.”
