In a recent statement addressing a court ruling in Athens regarding the conviction of four defendants in a wiretapping trial, former Deputy Prime Minister Evangelos Venizelos stressed that the issues plaguing the rule of law in Greece cannot simply be dismissed at the government's behest. He pointed out that the ongoing challenges are akin to 'open wounds' within the judicial framework that require genuine resolution rather than superficial government oversight.

Venizelos highlighted that the court's finding against the four accused, particularly in relation to the illegal spyware known as Predator, serves as a significant indicator of the judicial system's capacity to enforce accountability and function independently. He praised the court's process, asserting that it exemplified a model for higher courts, demonstrating that justice is capable of unfolding appropriately, even at preliminary stages. This instance reinforces the notion that the judicial process can function with institutional strength, despite pressures possibly emanating from political circles.

Moreover, Venizelos referred to the evidence presented during the trial as illustrating what he describes as an 'institutional crime'. This statement indicates a serious indictment of systemic issues within the law enforcement and political domain, alluding to broader implications for governance in Greece. The acknowledgment of such grievances, particularly regarding surveillance and privacy rights, suggest an urgent need for reform in the way power is exercised and monitored in the context of Greek democracy.