Probe into claims of bribes via KEELPNO

The first instance prosecutor’s office in Athens ordered a preliminary investigation on Thursday into allegations made by Defense Minister Panos Kammenos earlier this week regarding journalists receiving bribes via the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO).

Kammenos claims that 28 million euros of the organization’s money had been given to reporters, publishers and media owners in previous years with the aim of influencing their coverage. KEELPNO has already rejected the claims, arguing that the only money it has paid to media was for the running of awareness campaigns. The center also denied making any direct payments to journalists.