Several MPs who are being investigated in the framework of the OPEKEPE case file, and whose parliamentary immunity has been lifted, found themselves facing what is formally a serious but procedurally flawed issue. This is because they received a summons from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to submit written explanations by May 22, but saw that they were being treated as facing felony charges, while most are actually being investigated for misdemeanours.

It is recalled that only two MPs are being investigated for felonies, as the amount under investigation exceeds €120,000: Kostas Ach. Karamanlis and Katerina Papakosta. The remaining nine MPs from New Democracy are being investigated for misdemeanours, but were nonetheless surprised by the description in the prosecutor’s summons and immediately requested clarifications. Lawyers for several of the individuals involved have also entered the discussion and are in contact with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. Given this, a “corrected version” with the accurate charges is expected to be sent later today or tomorrow.

MPs who were confronted with this incident confirmed to protothema.gr that there was a serious procedural error, stressing that it demonstrates the lack of care in the process. Some also argue that it reflects the broader sloppiness of the case file and the criminal assessment being made in their cases. Legal sources note that this incident “could even lead to the annulment of the procedure, resulting in delays and a risk of prescription (statute of limitations).”

The issue is also confirmed to protothema.gr by lawyer Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, representing some of the political figures under investigation. He stated:
“Indeed, today, due to an error by the secretariat of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, some involved individuals were served with a summons for explanations containing an incorrect amount of alleged damage. The secretariat was immediately informed of the mistake and new summonses with the correct amounts will follow. However, regarding my clients Kostas Tsiaras, Notis Mitarakis and Katerina Papakosta, the summonses they received contain the correct amounts,” he said.

Summonses for explanations have also been issued to non-political individuals included in the second OPEKEPE case file and in the recorded conversations that have been made public.