Former Thessaloniki mayor released from jail

The former mayor was able to benefit from the favourable provisions of a law passed by the current government designed to decongest Greek prisons and to protect persons with disabilities, in order to secure an early release.

A Thessaloniki Misdemeanours court decided on his release, on condition that he remain in the country, acting on the recommendation of first-instance prosecutor Alexandra Andreou concerning the former mayor's petition to be released on the grounds that he was more than 67 pct disabled due to a heart problem.

The certificate issued by the Disability Certification Centre was right on the 67 pct 'limit' with an additional 1 pct added by for psychological duress and inability to adapt to prison conditions.

In statements to reporters as he was leaving, Papageorgopoulos once again proclaimed his innocence and his conviction that Greek justice would soon restore his good name. He left behind his accomplice and close associate Michalis Lemousias, with whom he had shared a cell in Diavata prison since their incarceration.

The former mayor's dealing with justice are far from over, however, since he will soon have to answer for other corruption charges relating to his days at the mayor's office.