Trial of ‘Spartans’ Postponed Again Until May 2nd

The trial of the so-called ‘Spartans’ has been postponed for the third time, following a decision by the country’s bar associations prohibiting lawyers from appearing in trials that have been interrupted more than twice. The case involving electoral fraud with defendants including elected MPs Eley Kassidiari and a lawyer has now been rescheduled for May 2nd. Lawyer Vasilis Kapernaros, representing MP Charalambos Katsibardas, stated, ‘My client is being accused as a fraudster; we request a swift postponement.’ This position was supported by the prosecutor who emphasized that the dismissal or otherwise of the MPs directly depends on this trial. The prosecutor added, ‘I hoped the bar association would show sensitivity to a case concerning parliamentary integrity, the essence of Democracy. With no other option but to accept the postponement request, we will attempt to find an early court date.’ This trial concerns allegations made from the parliamentary floor by party president Vasilis Stiga regarding ‘Greek Mafia’ practices within his party.