Greek judicial corruption allegations and institutional rift

A controversy emerged within the Greek judiciary following an article by Supreme Court Deputy Prosecutor Vasilis Floridis, who alleged a “vein of corruption in the judiciary” regarding a case involving 11 defendants. Floridis had previously argued that charges against the defendants were “unfounded,” but the Supreme Court rejected his proposal and referred the case to trial.

The publication triggered a significant institutional clash. The Athens Bar Association (DSA) condemned the prosecutor’s comments as “institutional excesses” and “communication tactics,” arguing that public criticism of pending cases undermines judicial independence and public trust. In response, the President and Prosecutor of the Supreme Court asserted that such public allegations exceed the boundaries of legitimate criticism and that legal remedies should be used instead of the media.

Political fallout followed, with PASOK spokesperson Evangelia Liakouli characterizing the situation as a deep crisis. She criticized the decision to use an article rather than formal legal procedures to address corruption concerns and noted a “deafening silence” from the Ministry of Justice despite protests from judicial unions and the Bar Association.