Stefanos Kasselakis, former leader of left-wing SYRIZA and current president of the party Movement for Democracy, has been found guilty of violating Greek foreign asset laws on Thursday.
The Single-Member Misdemeanor Court of Athens sentenced Kasselakis to 30 months in prison with suspended sentence and to a fine of 50,000 euros. fine.
The case referred to Kasselaki’s funds to SYRIZA for the payment of employees’ salaries and other running costs through one of his companies based in the USA.
According to Greek laws, political leaders and public officials are explicitly prohibited from owning or managing foreign businesses, directly or indirectly.
The prosecutor had recommended his acquittal arguing that Kasselakis was not aware of the Greek legislation restrictions and he had “no intent when he committed the act.”
Despite the prosecutor’s recommendation, the court found him guilty.
The case file was open in March 2024, after media reported that the former SYRIZA leader had undisclosed foreign business ties.
According to media, Kasselakis will appeal the court decision.
Stefanos Kasselakis was ousted from SYRIZA in autumn 2024, exactly one year after he was elected to be party leader.
He soon established his own part Movement for Democracy, however, his political future is now uncertain even though his sentence is suspended.