In another sentence for violating the presumption of innocence European Court of Human Rightsthe stigmatization of political discourse that condemns citizens for reasons of political expediency before they are condemned by the judiciary.

The case that led to the condemnation of Greece concerns the former general secretary of state revenues. Catherine Savvaiduwho was expelled by the government of SYRIZA while she was also facing criminal charges for disloyalty, for which she was acquitted by the Greek courts and acquitted by the Council of State.

The condemnation of Greece – a symbolic fine of 6,000 euros, but the discrediting of the result of the decision is great – concerns the statements of the government representative at the time Olgas Gerovasilis at the expense of Aikaterini Savvaydu shortly after the cabinet fired her, although she had previously worked in the Ministry of Justice. Then, as stated in the court decision, the representative of the government, not respecting the presumption of innocence, while the court was trying Aikaterini Savvayda, made disparaging statements about her, which could negatively affect her judicial treatment and send a signal that the government is against it.

“While criminal charges were pending against the applicant,” the decision states, “the way these allegations were worded, that is, without any qualifications, gave the impression that the applicant was involved in activities contrary to the public interest and that she was with corruption.” violating the presumption of innocence.”

“It is impossible,” said Ms Gerovasili at the time, “to admit that public officials act contrary to the public interest and promote the development of certain types of businesses that were patronized by previous governments and which formed the core of corruption (…)”.

“A gross injustice”

Ms. Savvaidou’s lawyer Vassilis Heirdaris, who pleaded the case at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, said in his statement, among other things: authority representative. This decision is also a call to Greek officials and politicians to respect the accused and the presumption of innocence. It’s not their right, it’s their duty!

Unfortunately, in matters relating to the violation of the presumption of innocence, there are several appeals before the European Court of Human Rights from Greek citizens who were publicly “convicted” before the Court ruled on them.