kathimerini.gr
Greek Council of State Rejects Kasselaki's Tax Appeal; Lawyer Claims Innocence
The Greek Council of State rejected Theodoros Kasselaki's appeal against a €4,016,269 back tax ruling, prompting his lawyer to claim his innocence and announce a new application for exemption from liability; the decision's pre-publication leak raises due process concerns.
- How does the lawyer's claim of Kasselaki's innocence in criminal court relate to his ongoing civil tax liability?
- The case involves taxes on a villa owned by "Oswego Estates Limited," with Kasselaki and his wife listed as 50% shareholders by tax authorities. The lawyer contests this, highlighting Kasselaki's acquittal on related criminal charges and asserting his non-involvement in the company. This highlights the complexities of international tax evasion cases and challenges in prosecuting such cases.
- What are the immediate implications of the Council of State's decision regarding Theodoros Kasselaki's tax liability?
- On July 16, 2025, the Greek Council of State rejected Theodoros Kasselaki's appeal against a 2004 court ruling ordering him to pay €4,016,269 in back taxes plus penalties. Kasselaki's lawyer claims he was never a shareholder in the implicated offshore company, "Oswego Estates Limited," and was acquitted of tax evasion charges. A new application for exemption from liability has been submitted.
- What are the potential long-term implications of this case regarding tax evasion involving offshore companies and the enforcement of Greek tax laws?
- The leak of the Council of State's decision before its official publication raises concerns about due process and potential violations of Kasselaki's rights. The ongoing application for exemption from liability suggests further legal battles are expected, potentially setting a precedent for similar future cases involving offshore companies and disputed tax obligations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing of the press release heavily favors Mr. Kassselakis. The headline, if there was one, likely emphasized his claims of innocence and the legal challenges he's undertaking. The structure prioritizes presenting his perspective and actions, while downplaying or omitting information that may contradict his claims. The repeated emphasis on his acquittal in criminal court deflects attention from the ongoing tax dispute and the allegations of involvement with the offshore company.
Language Bias
The language used is highly favorable to Mr. Kassselakis. Phrases like "ametaκλητα αθωωθεί" (irrevocably acquitted) and the repeated emphasis on his innocence and the filing of new legal actions are emotionally charged and suggestive of innocence, potentially influencing reader perception. Neutral alternatives would include a more factual presentation of the legal proceedings and allegations.
Bias by Omission
The press release focuses heavily on Mr. Kassselakis's claims of innocence and the legal actions he's taken, but omits crucial details about the nature of his involvement with Oswego Estates Limited and the specifics of the tax evasion case. The lack of details regarding the evidence presented by the tax authorities and the specifics of his alleged involvement leaves the reader with an incomplete picture and makes it difficult to independently assess the validity of his claims. The omission of the Supreme Court's reasoning before the official ruling also leaves a significant gap in understanding the legal context.
False Dichotomy
The press release presents a false dichotomy by portraying the situation as either Mr. Kassselakis is completely innocent or he is solely responsible for the tax evasion. It ignores the possibility of partial responsibility, shared liability, or other complexities in the case. This framing influences the reader to believe only in an extreme binary of innocence or guilt.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a case involving alleged tax evasion and the legal efforts of an individual to challenge tax liabilities. A fair and just tax system is crucial for reducing inequality, and the legal proceedings, aiming for a just resolution, contribute to this goal. The pursuit of justice in tax matters helps ensure equitable distribution of resources and prevents the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.