Kasidiaris set for release, eyes election bid

Former Golden Dawn spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris is due to be released from Domokos prison in central Greece on Tuesday after completing his sentence for his role in the criminal organization, his lawyer Vaso Pandazi said Friday.

Pandazi also confirmed that Kasidiaris plans to participate in next year's general elections, although she did not disclose which political organization he would represent.

She said Kasidiaris would hold a news conference after his release to address what she described as baseless rumors.

Conviction limits political options

Kasidiaris, 45, was sentenced to 13½ years in prison in October 2020 following a landmark trial that found Golden Dawn to be a criminal organization operating under the guise of a political party.

The court ruled that senior members were responsible for directing an organization linked to violent attacks against migrants and political opponents.

His release does not automatically clear the way for a return to electoral politics.

Greek law generally allows people with voting rights to establish and join political parties. However, the Supreme Court can bar parties from elections when their leadership or actual direction is linked to people convicted of serious offenses, including leading a criminal organization.

Supreme court previously blocked party

The Supreme Court applied those provisions in 2023 when it blocked a party founded by Kasidiaris, ruling that he remained its de facto leader despite being in prison.

Kasidiaris could establish or join a political organization following his release, but any attempt to lead a party or field candidates would remain subject to existing legal restrictions and the Supreme Court's assessment of the organization's actual leadership and activities.

Source:Kathimerini