Prosecutor urges court to reject mitigating circumstances in Golden Dawn trial
The prosecutor in the trial of members of the far-right party Golden Dawn urged the court to reject all requests for mitigating circumstances submitted by 27 convicted defendants.
Prosecutor Kyriaki Stefanatou argued that most of the defendants do not meet the legal criteria for mitigation, stressing that participation in a criminal organization involved in violent and racially motivated crimes contradicts claims of a lawful life. She also noted that some defendants, including party founder Nikos Michaloliakos, have previous convictions.
The prosecutor said the defendants had shown no genuine remorse, describing their claims of repentance as merely verbal and unsupported by actions. She also dismissed arguments that the lengthy duration of the trial should be considered a mitigating factor, citing the complexity of the case and the lack of cooperation from the accused.
During the hearing, convicted former MEP Ioannis Lagos, the only defendant present in court, lashed out at the judges, accusing them of turning the proceedings into “theatre.”
Defense lawyers repeatedly interrupted the prosecutor’s remarks, objecting to the sharp tone of her arguments.
The proceedings will continue with responses from defense attorneys.
