Attempt to “tool” his candidacy in A. Piraeusthe lawyer, president of the Union of Criminalists, Yiannis Glykas, characterizes the statements of Sifis Valyrakis’ widow, which caused his name to be withdrawn from the PASOK candidate lists.

Mr. Glykas, who is a defense attorney in the case file for the former minister’s murder, in his statement also refers to Zoe Konstantopoulou’s statements regarding the pending case, pointing out that the president of Plefsis Eleftherias will be asked to give disciplinary and criminal explanations.

The statement of Mr. Sweet as follows:

“Going into my 27th year of career, always transparent and crystal clear, I never expected that the time would come when I would have to ‘apologize’ for doing my job!

With surprise and a lot of questioning, I was informed about the decision of the PASOK Ballot Committee, by which my candidacy in the elections of 06/25/2023 is considered invalid, due to my participation as a Defense Counsel in the Valyraki case. Decision incomprehensible, irrational, anti-democratic, insulting to every lawyer fighting, to every defender.

The absolute respect for the memory and the work of Sifis Valyrakis is a given from my side, just like every democrat who respects the political path of the historical executive of PASOK.

However, some people forget that the Lawyer is a constitutionally protected institutional capacity and as a defense lawyer I am subject to my defense duty as defined by the Constitution, the Code of Lawyers and the Criminal Procedure. I have never chosen my clients based on political or other criteria, but always based on my legal obligation as a defense attorney, providing high quality legal services.

I must inform the ‘complainant’ as well as anyone who adopts these views, that the right to defense is sacred for every accused, as is the right to a fair trial and respect for the presumption of innocence! Of course some people, in other cases, ‘use’ these universal values ​​as they see fit and in this case they forget them!

I carefully read Ms. Valyraki’s complaint! I was impressed by the mention, twice, of Andreas Papandreou! Obviously, in the case of the (removable) right to choose defense counsel in the case of the late Sifis Valyrakis, the selection as defense counsel…of Andreas Papandreou’s accusers, Mr. Nikos Kostantopoulos (Prosecutor at Trial) and a member of his family. Obviously, History and Andreas Papandreou had no importance in the selection.

As for Ms. Konstantopoulou’s reference to me in her public statement, that “this particular lawyer played a specific role in the scandalous release of the accused”, she avoids any political confrontation and political speech, with all the consequences this could mean further legal action! He will be asked to explain criminally and disciplinary what he means! But also for the role of the advocate and the defensive duty! Of course the “hearts” will not play a role… nor will the communication conversions! It is obvious that certain circles are trying to exploit my candidacy in First Piraeus! A nomination that, as a result, seems to have disturbed many. A candidacy, however, which was driven only by the offer and not by claiming a parliamentary seat (the last honorable position for me)!

I was and always will be a defender, a fighter.”