January 23, 2009

SENIOR Victorian MP Theo Theophanous has appeared in court to defend rape charges.

Mr Theophanous walked into the court on today holding hands with his wife Rita who took a seat in the back of the court before moving to the front row where he sat with his lawyer.

It is alleged Mr Theophanous raped a woman, who now lives in Greece, at Parliament House in 1998.

He resigned from his portfolio of Trade and Industry on Christmas Eve.

After waiting in court for about half an hour, Mr Theophanous' hearing lasted just one minute.

His next court appearance will be on March 27.

Outside court  Mr Theophanous, standing beside his wife, proclaimed his innocence and criticised police for not granting him the right of an interview.

"How can it be fair for you to listen to only one side, you don't hear the other side when there is so much at stake in these circumstances," he said.

"Myself and my family now have the entire resources of the Victoria Police and the OPP (Office of Public Prosecution) pitted against us."

"They are determined to win this battle and they will fight extremely hard for it to occur.

"We will also fight, we are a fighting family."

Mr Theophanous said he had faith in the justice system and believed a jury would make the right decision.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24951697-29277,00.html  

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