The former Minister of Public Order Yannis Panousis has claimed that political divs with ties to terrorist group have made threats against his life, in an interview he gave to the Proto Thema newspaper.
Based on information made available to To Vima, the former Minister claims that at least four political divs and SYRIZA government officers (some of whom operated at the Justice Ministry) made the threats against him. None of them are said to be ministers or MPs, but rather SYRIZA party officers.
These party officers, according to Mr. Panousis, had regular contacts with jailed criminals and anarchists and regularly visited them at Korydallos. According to the former Minister’s allegations, these officers would promise favorable actions or special treatment. Prison officers are also said to have expressed their frustration at these visits, claiming that they were targeted for attacks.
One of the officers with alleged ties to terrorism, according to the former Minister, is a 65-year-old who participated in a prisoner solidarity group and later became involved with SYRIZA. An internal affairs investigation allegedly reveals that with the assistance of a high-ranking police official, the 65-year-old would carry out ‘irregular interventions’ in favor of foreign prisoners and anarchists.
New Democracy and the River issued statements calling for an immediate investigation into the serious allegations. They also called the Prime Minister to take a stand on the issue, given that SYRIZA is being targeted. The Prime Minister’s office responded to the allegations and noted that the public statements of Mr. Panousis are “extremely serious for him to parade them in the media«, rather than formally submit a detailed complaint.
A solidarity group for the Conspiracy of Fire Cells (SPF) has also issued a statement via Indymedia denouncing the allegations of ties with political divs and favoritism. In their statement they also point out how they are often isolated and receive worse treatment. They also stress that while the controversial ‘Type C’ prison facilities have been abolished, the majority of related legislation is still in place.
