Greek farmer leader Kostas Anestidis cleared in OPEKEPE subsidy case

The Athens Court of Appeals (Συμβούλιο Εφετών) issued a judgment fully acquitting farmer union leader Kostas Anestidis of any criminal liability in the investigation of alleged illegal OPEKEPE subsidies. The court found that all of Anestidis' declared assets and income were legitimate, and no evidence of fictitious declarations was uncovered.

Following the ruling, the freezing order on his bank accounts and other property, imposed during the probe into a €122,000 subsidy claim, was lifted. Anestidis described the decision as “relief, emotional impact and moral satisfaction,” thanking “conscientious judicial officials.” He announced plans to file lawsuits against the officials of OPEKEPE and the responsible Economic Service, asserting that the investigation was unfounded.

The case, which had attracted considerable media attention and political debate, now moves to the procedural stage for the formal release of his assets.