Charges filed against Thessaloniki far-right group members
Authorities filed charges against 29 members of the far-right group Ethnikistiki Neolaia Thessalonikis (ENETH), also known as Defend Salonica, including 15 minors, police in Thessaloniki announced on Wednesday.
Charges include robbery, recruitment of minors, and forming a criminal gang, among others.
A months-long investigation by the police’s Anti-Racist Violence Division revealed the group’s structured hierarchy, violent actions, and radicalization tactics.
Between September 2024 and March 2025, members were allegedly involved in racially motivated attacks, clashes with anarchist groups, vandalism, and soccer-related violence.
Many of the minors were reportedly recruited by older members starting in 2024. Authorities employed surveillance methods such as phone tapping, physical tracking, and hidden cameras.
During coordinated raids in Thessaloniki, police confiscated weapons including knives and brass knuckles, pepper spray, far-right propaganda, and clothing linked to robberies. ENETH first emerged in 2019 via social media.
Though initially limited to graffiti and public slogans, the group escalated activities in 2022 with violent incidents in local vocational schools. After a brief lull, activity surged again in 2024 with new, more aggressive recruits.
The group communicated via encrypted Telegram channels and promoted its actions online.
Funds collected through member subscriptions were reportedly used to buy weapons, flares, helmets, and materials for banners and flyers.
Police say the group’s organized structure and ideological outreach make it a serious threat, particularly for youth radicalization in urban settings.
Kathimerini
