Greek court upholds convictions of leaders of neo-Nazi party

Greek court upholds convictions of leaders of neo-Nazi party

A Greek appeals court has reaffirmed the 2020 convictions of Golden Dawn’s top figures, marking a significant legal milestone. The ruling confirmed the party’s leaders and associates were part of a criminal organization operating under the guise of a political group. This decision, reached by a panel of five judges, ended a five-year legal battle and solidified the verdict.

The 2020 case revealed that the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party had been orchestrating a criminal network while promoting anti-immigrant and anti-austerity policies. Party leader Nikos Michaloliakos, 68, was sentenced to 13 years in prison, but he was released on health grounds last year. The ruling was unanimous, with the court panel endorsing the original convictions of 42 members.

Prime Minister Celebrates Judicial Outcome

Greece’s conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis praised the decision, calling it a pivotal moment for the nation’s democratic institutions. “This concerns a traumatic chapter in our parliamentary life, one that I hope and wish we can now leave firmly behind us,” he stated in parliament.

From Rise to Fall

Founded in the 1980s as a neo-Nazi group, Golden Dawn gained national attention during Greece’s financial crisis. Between 2012 and 2019, the party held parliamentary seats, becoming the third-most popular faction during its peak. Its platform focused on austerity resistance and immigration skepticism, resonating with many citizens.

The party’s downfall began in 2013 with the murder of left-wing rapper Pavlos Fyssas. A member of Golden Dawn was convicted of the crime, a verdict that was upheld by the appeals court on Wednesday. This incident sparked a criminal investigation, leading to the party’s eventual collapse and the 2020 convictions.