The head of the union representing workers at the Sotiria Hospital in Athens was arrested on Monday afternoon on charges of blackmail, illegal possession of weapons as well as resisting arrest. According to reports, the 45-year-old unionist demanded by the Director of the hospital Mrs. Karras, a sum of 50,000 Euros in cash -in other words a kickback- to call off a protest -or strike- by workers.
He was arrested after a sting operation set up by the police in which he picked up the cash in marked bills from the hospital director’s home.
Police reports claim that the unionist hit officers in his attempt to evade arrest. After searching his home, authorities also discovered a handgun, two stiletto knives, a collapsible baton and even a shotgun.
On Tuesday the unionist faced a prosecutor.
The unionist was is a recently elected union head of the PASOK party, yet some reports around Athens wanted to present him as a self-declared supporter for the SYRIZA party.
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