Former Thessaloniki mayor rushed to hospital from prison

Former Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, currently serving a 12-year sentence for embezzling nearly 18 million euros from municipal coffers, was hospitalized on Monday after complaining of chest pains.

The 67-year-old was rushed from Diavata Prison in Thessaloniki to a nearby hospital for tests.

According to initial reports he will have to remain hospitalized in order to undergo more tests.

Earlier in the day, Papageorgopoulos had issued a statement saying that his “last hope” for seeing his sentence overturned lies with the Supreme Court, with which he has filed an appeal.

The ex-mayor of the northern port city had initially been sentenced to life in prison, but his term was reduced to 12 years.