Court urged to reject appeal for ex-justice minister

A prosecutor Wednesday asked an Athens court to reject appeals by former defense minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, his wife Viki Stamati and another 10 people against their convictions in connection with a money-laundering racket linked to kickbacks from state procurements.

According to prosecutor Anastasia Dimitriadou, a judicial probe has linked all the above to the racket.

Tsochatzopoulos, 77, was last month granted early release from prison due to ill health. He had been serving a 20-year term for money laundering. His wife was granted early release in 2015.

The court hearing the appeal by the couple and others, including ex-ministry officials, is expected to rule in the summer.