NEWS

Diaries reveal ex-minister wanted to restore reputation

Former Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, currently in custody at Korydallos Prison on embezzlement and money-laundering charges, dreamed of clearing his name and ?going back out into society,? according to extracts from his diaries, which also indicated that he had attempted to mount a concerted media campaign to restore his image.

?I am interested in restoring my reputation and organizing with others a new intervention in Greek society,? wrote Tsochatzopoulos, who speculated about forming a political foundation. ?Let me conclude with justice so I can go back out into society and work as an economic consultant.?

The diaries also reveal that Tsochatzopoulos had been in contact with someone he identified simply as ?Nikos? to improve the ex-minister?s image via the media. In return for 270,000 euros over 18 months, ?Nikos? agreed to arrange interviews and favorable reports in national and regional media. He also promised to begin a campaign to clear Tsochatzopoulos?s name via online sites and blogs.

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