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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Helena Smith in Athens

Yanis Varoufakis calls prosecution after admitting taking ecstasy 40 years ago ‘ridiculous’

Yanis Varoufakis speaks into a microphone on stage
Yanis Varoufakis: ‘My ridiculous prosecution must be seen within the wider, west-wide surge of an insidious new form of fascism.’ Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Yanis Varoufakis, the leftwing firebrand who briefly served as Greece’s finance minister, has criticised his “ridiculous prosecution” for allegedly promoting the use of recreational drugs after his public admission that he once took an ecstasy pill almost 40 years ago.

The 64-year-old, who reminisced about the experience on a podcast, was charged on Wednesday with “inciting others in the illegal use of narcotics”. If convicted he faces a prison term of at least six months and up to €50,000 (£44,000) in fines. A court hearing has been scheduled for December.

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