In the coming days, a proposal will be submitted by ND for the establishment of a Preliminary Investigation Committee concerning Kostas Karamanlis. This move essentially serves as a response to PASOK’s demand for a preliminary investigation into former ND Transport Minister Christos Spiridis and his deputies. The core issue revolves around allegations of disrupting communication security with potential malice, which could carry a life sentence. However, ND rejects PASOK’s indictment as legally unfounded and unsupported, categorically dismissing accusations against ministers and deputies regarding the deaths of 57 people and injuries to 180 others.
ND argues that Karamanlis, as Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, was only responsible for administrative oversight of OSE-ERGOSE, emphasizing that the Regulatory Authority for Railways (R.A.S.) holds exclusive authority over safety matters. Furthermore, ND refutes PASOK’s claim that political supervisors should face charges if their subordinates do, asserting that criminal responsibility is personal, not collective. Additionally, ND points out that systemic issues cannot equate to criminal liability, questioning why past ministers haven’t faced similar prosecutions for unrelated tragedies.
The party also rejects indictments against ND and SYRIZA deputies, stating that legal procedures explicitly target ministers, not deputies. Lastly, ND criticizes PASOK for adding former SYRIZA minister Christos Spiridis to its indictment, arguing that any criminal negligence on his part has lapsed without constitutional grounds for prosecution. This controversy highlights ND’s stance against politically motivated exploitation of tragedy, accusing PASOK of mimicking tactics from other opposition parties like Freedom Row and Greek Solution.
The proposal is expected to be filed shortly, followed by a debate and vote in Parliament within 15 days. If approved, the committee will likely skip preliminary hearings and directly refer Karamanlis to trial.