
The European Union has asked Greece to respect the "presumption of innocence" and the right to be present in criminal trials.
Greece is being accused of the same thing, for which Greek politicians and high officials, a few months ago, accused Albania of not respecting it, in the case of Fredi Beleri.
Greek authorities claimed that Beleri was not respected the presumption of innocence, blocking him from being sworn in as mayor of Himara.
However, it seems that it is Greece itself that has violated EU directives, for which the EU Executive Body has decided to initiate an infringement procedure.
This directive is one of six adopted by the EU to establish common minimum standards that ensure fair trials and adequate protection of the rights of suspects and accused persons across the bloc. In particular, the Commission found that the measures announced by Greece do not correctly incorporate the provisions of the directive regarding public references for guilt and trials in absentia.
Greece now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings highlighted by the Commission. If they do not provide a satisfactory answer, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.