Pre-Investigation: The Implications of Christos Triantopoulos’s Move and the Procedures Ahead

Developments are rapid regarding the tragedy at Tempi following the decision of the former minister to submit an application to the committee in order to be directly referred to the judicial council, so he can be judged by his natural judges. Referring to the move by Christos Triantopoulos, it was described as a ‘brave step without a modern precedent that allows him to be judged by regular judges who enjoy constitutional guarantees of operational and personal independence.’ Furthermore, Harilalou Trikoupis stated in a press release: ‘In any case, Mr. Triantopoulos will be referred to his natural judge as a result of PASOK’s initiative for the establishment of a pre-investigation committee, which the government criticized as alleged politicization.’ It is emphasized that ‘he must be referred based on what the Constitution and laws provide, not as New Democracy politically plans or manages for political cost.’ By submitting his request, Christos Triantopoulos essentially asks Parliament to prosecute him for the offense of breach of duty. This means that the Pre-Investigation Committee, where New Democracy holds the majority, will endorse the prosecution of Triantopoulos. From there, the request will go to the Plenary Session, which with an absolute majority of all MPs will approve or reject the proposal from the Pre-Investigation Committee. Voting in the Plenary Session will be secret. Subsequently, the judicial council, consisting of supreme judges, will verify if the basis is valid. The judicial council of the Special Court will appoint an examining magistrate who will conduct the investigation. If responsibility is ultimately established, the Special Court will be formed, and the former minister will be referred to it.