Ex-minister’s daughter denies knowledge of kickbacks

In emotionally fraught testimony on Friday, the daughter of former Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, Areti – on trial along with another 16 defendants for allegedly helping the ex-PASOK strongman launder money received in kickbacks from defense contracts – denied any knowledge of her father’s alleged dealings.

The prosecuting attorney questioned Areti Tsochatzopoulou repeatedly about whether she helped her father hide money by making real estate purchases. Her attorney objected to the line of questioning, telling the prosecutor: “Are you asking her to become her father’s accuser? Have you not read ‘Antigone’?”

Tsochatzopoulou went on to describe how the allegations against her family have affected her personal life, saying that her children were being badgered at school. “This story has taken away my good name, something I have worked all my life to uphold,” she told the court.