Former citizen protection minister Giannis Panousis’ accusations concerning links between the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) ruling party and terrorist group, Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire, have caused a political stir in the government. SYRIZA officials are downplaying the severity of his claims, despite the domino of revelations that are coming to light in a political avalanche. Following the storm, two close colleagues of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras – Dimitris Tzanakopoulos and Christiana Kalogirou – went to the Supreme Court to sue the former minister following his naming of party members with terrorist ties.

Panos Lambros, a government aide in the Ministry of Justice, is viewed as having played a pivotal role in the government’s relations with members of terrorist organizations. The official’s role is complex as both a paid employee in the office of Justice Minister Nikos Paraskevopoulos and as an unpaid consultant in a special working group of the ministry. In the past, he has also accompanied Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on tours paid by public expenses and repeatedly conversed with terrorists on legal measures as Paraskevopoulos’ representative. In recorded conversations that saw the light of day, he remains silent when terrorists state that they do not regret “bombing” Panousis.

On November 2, the ministry approved funds for Lambros to accompany the prime minister at Diavata Jail, northern Greece, but now Paraskevopoulos is doing all he can to distance his ministry from Proto Thema’s revelations.

Nonetheless, Lambros is a high-ranking SYRIZA member when bearing in mind that he is one of the 17 members of the political secretariat headed by Tsipras, with his name appearing 8th on the list that also includes Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and Economy Minister Giannis Dragasakis.

Lambros has championed prisoners’ rights and has also been involved in initiatives that led to the first same-sexed marriages on the island of Tilos. He also rights for the newspaper, Epohi.

Tapes that Panousis handed over to the prosecution prove that Lambros was not only negotiating with terrorists regarding judicial legislation, but was also aware of illegal activities against the former citizens protection minister who was not willing to acquiesce to their demands.