On May 8, 2025, Stefanos Kasselakis, former SYRIZA leader and current president of the Movement for Democracy, was convicted by the Single-Member Misdemeanor Court of Athens for violating Greek foreign asset laws.
He received a 30-month suspended prison sentence and a €50,000 fine.
The case involved Kasselakis’ ownership of a U.S.-based company that allegedly funded SYRIZA’s media operations during a financial shortfall. Greek law (Law 3213/2003, amended by Law 5026/2023) prohibits political leaders from managing foreign businesses. Despite a prosecutor’s recommendation for acquittal due to lack of intent, the court ruled against Kasselakis.
Testimony revealed Kasselakis offered to cover party staff salaries, unaware of legal restrictions. Thymios Georgopoulos, SYRIZA’s former general director, noted the funds were meant for media outlets, not the party, and were repaid shortly after state funding arrived. Manolis Kapnisakis, Kasselakis’ political office director, emphasized his client’s lack of awareness as a former U.S. resident unfamiliar with Greek laws.
The investigation began in March 2024 after media reports questioned Kasselakis’ undisclosed foreign assets. Kasselakis denies wrongdoing, asserting his financial actions were legal and transparent, and has vowed to challenge what he calls slanderous accusations.
The conviction follows Kasselakis’ 2023 ouster from SYRIZA amid internal disputes over transparency and leadership. While the suspended sentence avoids immediate jail time, the ruling could impact his role in the Movement for Democracy.
Original source: Newsroom, May 8, 2025
Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.
