Greek prosecutor appeals Pilatus Bank whistleblower extradition denial

A Greek prosecutor has appealed Thursday’s court decision to not extradite Pilatus Bank whistleblower Maria Efimova to Malta.

Efimova was released from custody in Greece Thursday after a Greek court order. Greece’s top court is now expected to hear the appeal case.

Efimova was one of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s sources on Pilatus Bank. She had alleged to the murdered journalist that Michelle Muscat, the prime minister’s wife, was the ultimate beneficial of Egrant. The allegation was that money was transferred through Pilatus Bank. Efimova had testified in a magisterial inquiry on the Egrant allegations.

Efimova had sued Pilatus Bank over unpaid wages after she was fired. The bank hit back by claiming she had misappropriated €2,000. In another case she is charged with making false accusations against three police officers.

The Russian had fled Malta, claiming she feared for her life. After the European Arrest Warrants were issued, Efimova gave herself up to the police in Athens and was jailed.

A Greek court ruled on Thursday that the woman would not be extradited, adding that the request was vague and the alleged crime was not serious enough to merit a European Arrest Warrant.

Her lawyer, Alexandros Pa-pastergiopoulous, described the ruling as a victory for the rule of law. He said the main reason for the court’s decision were concerns about whether Efimova would be granted a fair trial, as well as concerns related to her safety if she were to be returned.