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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 15-12-22
CONTENTS
[01] Tsipras: Bill on civil unions for same-sex couples ends period of
backwardness for Greece
[02] Amendment tabled to allow use of evidence collected through illegal
means in financial crimes cases
[01] Tsipras: Bill on civil unions for same-sex couples ends period of
backwardness for Greece
The vote on the extension of civil partnerships to same-sex couples
closes a period of backwardness and shame for the Greek state, Prime
Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Tuesday evening, during a debate in
parliament on the draft bill which will be concluded tonight with roll
call vote.
"With the legalization of civil partnership for same-sex couples closes
a cycle of backwardness and shame for the Greek state, of denial and
marginalization of a large part of our fellow citizens, who were not
allowed to live together with their partner and enjoying basic rights
and which led the Greece to convictions by the European Court of Human
Rights," Tsipras said in his short address to lawmakers.
The premier said this day is "not befitting celebrations but of an
apology" to the people who until now lacked human rights enjoyed by other
citizens in countries with advanced legal systems, and in particular
on the right "to stand on an equal footing to human suffering before
the law."
He also admitted the law is long overdue, even in terms of his
government's brief term. "This bill should have passed years ago, and
maybe even months ago, as far as our government is concerned."
[02] Amendment tabled to allow use of evidence collected through illegal
means in financial crimes cases
An amendment that will allow the use of evidence obtained through
criminal offenses in cases of serious corruption or other economic
crimes was added by Alternate Minister for Corruption Issues Dimitris
Papangelopoulos in a draft bill which will extend civil partnerships to
same-sex couples, and which is being discussed in parliament on Monday.
According to the explanatory report accompanying the amendment, a court
will be able to use evidence that was hitherto prevented from using
due to Article 177 of Greece's penal code. The amendment will affect
cases which fall under the jurisdiction of the Financial and Corruption
Crimes Prosecutors.
Introducing the amendment, Papangelopoulos said it is entirely consistent
with the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court and that it will widen the
investigation of very important cases by the relevant prosecutors.
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