Court acquits all defendants in electoral fraud case involving Spartans party

A Greek appeals court has acquitted all 11 defendants in the electoral fraud trial linked to the far-right Spartans party. The defendants included former and current Spartans lawmakers, as well as jailed ex-Golden Dawn MP Ilias Kasidiaris.

The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support claims of electoral deception, ultimately delivering a verdict of innocence.

The case stemmed from allegations made by Vasilis Stigas, the head of the Spartans, who accused Kasidiaris of using mafia-like tactics within the party to influence its operations. The court’s president stated, “The case file is crucial, and based on its contents, we cannot conclude that deception occurred. The evidence is insufficient, and therefore, the defendants are acquitted.”

On May 2, the prosecutor also recommended the acquittal of all accused, arguing there was no evidence to substantiate the charges of misleading voters. The prosecutor highlighted that no witnesses or specific voters had come forward to claim they were deceived, and no evidence was presented to suggest that the Spartans’ electoral success was based on fraudulent practices.

The prosecutor further clarified that the accused party members were chosen by Stigas, not Kasidiaris. “They were not under his guidance, and there was no intention to overthrow the party leadership,” she said.

While acknowledging that Kasidiaris’ support had played a significant role in the Spartans’ electoral success, the prosecutor emphasized that this did not automatically constitute voter deception. “No complaint has been filed to that effect,” she concluded.

The Spartans, who were elected with 12 MPs to Parliament in 2023, now hold five seats following numerous resignations and expulsions from the party.

Kathimerini