Prosecutor: “Golden Dawn is a criminal organization, participation in elections was merely a façade”
During the appeal proceedings in the Golden Dawn case, Prosecutor Kyriaki Stefanatou began presenting her closing argument, stating that Golden Dawn operated for years as an “organized criminal structure” under the guise of a political party.
Addressing the court, Stefanatou said, “Golden Dawn was a criminal organization. It was not a political party. Its participation in elections was merely a façade.” She recalled that the organization was founded in the 1980s by Nikos Michaloliakos and was based on Nazi ideology.
In her submission, the prosecutor noted that Golden Dawn’s symbols, organizational model, and methods of action “clearly point to a neo-Nazi structure.” She emphasized that the group’s strict hierarchy and chain of command resembled that of a criminal organization rather than a legitimate political party.
Stefanatou also referred to past statements made by Michaloliakos, quoting him as saying: “Golden Dawn is not a party; it fights for the abolition of parties. We are an army.”
According to the prosecutor, under the cover of being a “legal political party,” Golden Dawn carried out street attacks, targeted acts of violence, and organized operations over many years.
Once the prosecutor completes her closing argument, the penalties she will seek for the defendants are expected to be clarified.
Meanwhile, various trade unions and organizations gathered outside the Athens Court of Appeal, where the Golden Dawn case is being heard.
Photo: PAME
