Novartis Case Verdict: Two Former Witnesses Found Guilty

In a key development in the Novartis case in Greece, the court has found two former protected witnesses guilty of false testimony and false accusations. Maria Marangeli, a former secretary to senior Novartis executive Konstantinos Frouzis, and Filistor Destempasidis, a former high-ranking company employee, were convicted for fabricating claims against ten politicians.

The controversy began eight years ago when the two witnesses alleged that ten Greek politicians had received bribes from Novartis, sparking political turmoil and multiple legal proceedings. The court imposed suspended prison sentences: 33 months for Marangeli and 25 months for Destempasidis. Both sentences carry a three-year suspension.

During the months-long trial, several high-profile politicians testified, including former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, former ministers Evangelos Venizelos and Adonis Georgiadis, former deputy prime minister Panagiotis Pikramenos, and former central bank governor Giannis Stournaras.

Prosecutor Eirini Pelekanou recommended conviction for both on charges of false testimony, while suggesting acquittal on the charge of false accusations.

Source: tovima.com