Condemnation of Greece for statements by Olga Gerovasilis

By Ioanna Mandrou

The European Court of Human Rights (Strasbourg) issued a conviction for violation of the presumption of innocence against Greece for statements made by Oglas Gerovasilis, when she was a government representative in the SYRIZA ANEL government.

Her statements concerned the then General Secretary of Public Revenues, Aikaterini Savaidou, who was dismissed by the SYRIZA government and faced with accusations of disloyalty against the public, of which she was irrevocably acquitted, while being vindicated by the Council of State. The condemnation of Greece – the fine is a symbolic 6 thousand euros – but the indignity that results from the large decision, concerns the statements of the then government representative Oglas Gerovassilis against Aikaterini Savaidou shortly after the cabinet that dismissed her while she had previously been involved with justice.

Then, as stated in the Court’s decision, the government representative, without respecting the presumption of innocence, while Aikaterini Savaidou was being judged by the judiciary, made disparaging statements against her, such as could negatively affect her judicial treatment and send the message that the government is against it.

“While criminal charges were pending against the applicant, it is stated in the decision, the way these statements were worded, i.e. without any reservation, created the impression that the applicant was involved in acts contrary to the public interest and that she had relations with corruption, violating the presumption of innocence”.

“It cannot be accepted, said Mrs. Gerovasili at the time, that public officials act against the public interest and contribute to the development of certain businesses that were favored by previous governments and formed the core of corruption (…)”.

The advocate of Mrs. Savaidou, lawyer Vassilis Cheirdaris who handled the case before the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg with a statement among other things notes. “With yesterday’s decision, the ECtHR restores a gross injustice against my client, restoring the presumption of her innocence that was affected by the public statements of the then government representative.

The decision is also an exhortation to Greek officials and politicians to respect the accused and the presumption of innocence. It’s not their right, it’s an obligation!”

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