Bourboulia claims life in danger
Former judge Constantina Bourboulia, arrested in Paris last week after allegedly fleeing Greek authorities, told a French judge yesterday that her life will be in danger if she is sent back to Greece. Greece has issued a European arrest warrant for Bourboulia and has asked France to extradite her so she can serve an outstanding jail sentence for mishandling a probe into stock manipulation as well as answer charges relating to an alleged trial-fixing ring. She told the court in Paris that she would not receive a fair trial in Athens and had received a threatening letter causing her to fear for her life if she returns to Greece. Bourboulia did not present the letter in court, arguing that there were Greek journalists present. The lawyer representing the Greek State, Panagiota Marceau, said there was no reason for Bourboulia to fear for her life since she would be protected by Greek authorities. Marceau also pointed out that the former judge had been living in Paris recently without any protection. The court will decide next Wednesday whether to extradite Bourboulia.
