Kyriakos Velopoulos has filed a criminal complaint with the Athens Court of First Instance concerning statements made by Adonis Georgiadis—then a senior New Democracy MP—regarding alleged behind-the-scenes negotiations during the 2019 parliamentary vote on the new criminal codes, while Alexis Tsipras was Prime Minister.
Referral to Parliament Expected
Under Greece’s law on ministerial accountability, the case is expected to be swiftly forwarded from the Athens Prosecutor’s Office to Parliament. The complaint targets former ministers, triggering the constitutional procedure for investigating ministerial conduct.
Statute of Limitations Likely Applies
However, any potential offenses falling under the ministerial accountability law are likely time-barred. Two full electoral cycles have passed since the alleged events in 2019—meaning the statutory deadline for prosecution has expired under current legislation.
Parallel Allegations Previously Investigated
Similar claims about backroom dealings during the criminal code vote were previously raised by Stavros Kontonis, who served as Justice Minister under Tsipras. Those allegations were investigated twice by judicial authorities and ultimately archived, with no charges filed.