Greece ‘s Supreme Court has allowed the neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn to participate in the upcoming European Parliament elections on May 25, despite that the fact that it is facing prosecution by authorities for being a “criminal organization.”
The decision came despite an ongoing criminal probe against the political party, six of whose members including its leader, Nikos Michaloliakos, are in prison awaiting trial. They are accused of taking part in criminal activities, including murder, arson and extortion. Prosecutors have described the party as a military-style criminal organization.
However, under the Greek law, candidates are only prevented from participating in elections if they are convicted of a crime, not if they are under investigation.
After the murder of a the left-wing rap artist, Pavlos Fyssas by a party supporter last September, Greek prosecutors have charged Golden Dawn with being a criminal organization, and several attacks, mostly against immigrants but also against political rivals.
Nazi and fascist memorabilia were also found in the home of Golden Dawn’s deputy leader, Christos Papas, while the party’s spokesman, Illias Kassidiaris has been charged with illegal weapon possession.
The Greek Prime Minister, Antonis Samaras stated that Golden Dawn must be fought with ideology and not with bans.
Golden Dawn gained popularity in the wake of the Greek debt crisis, due to widespread anger over austerity and immigration. The party won approximately 7% of votes in the 2012 Greek election. Golden Dawn is currently shown as third or fourth in polls in Greece.
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