OPINION

It’s the prosecutor’s call

It was only after the controversy broke out in Europe over the CIA’s dubious practices committed in the name of the war on terror that Greece’s involvement attracted public attention. The Pakistani abduction claims have jolted the Ministry of Public Order and the conservative government as a whole. Security forces have the legal right to interrogate anyone they consider a suspect. Nevertheless, Greece’s National Intelligence Agency (EYP) shunned the legal path, openly exposing the organization as well as the minister. One factor seems to be the inherent tendency of the service to snub legal constraints. EYP’s sense of impunity fuels an arrogant demeanor and disregard for the law. Worse, the West’s anti-terror campaign has left respect for civil rights on the back burner. But there are more reasons why the Continent has bent to US and British whims. These two governments do not want to see the EU take an independent stand. Denials by some European governments of having knowledge of such dubious practices were contradicted by former US Secretary of State Colin Powell. But there is also a more practical concern. The abduction method allows intelligence services to «disappear» any suspect they deem guilty. The Pakistani abduction case is now the weakest link of the chain. Those who are toying with the idea of putting the witnesses out of the game with a new fabrication should remember that since the names were published, the key now lies in the hands of the prosecutor. The prosecutor’s stance will largely determine the case’s political fallout. So far it seems that the prosecutor will not bend to those who wish to bury the case. Ever since the corruption allegations spilled out, the judiciary has been looking for a way to restore its tarnished image.

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