Thousands join anti-fascist marches 13 years after Pavlos Fyssas murder
Fyssas was fatally stabbed in Keratsini, near Piraeus, on September 18, 2013, by Giorgos Roupakias, a member of Golden Dawn. His murder became a turning point in the investigation into the far-right organization and was later central to the landmark trial that resulted in the conviction of Golden Dawn's leadership for running a criminal organization.
In Athens, the main memorial gathering began at 5:30 p.m. at the monument dedicated to Fyssas in Keratsini before protesters marched toward the Kokkinia Roundup Stockade Museum in Nikaia. His parents were at the head of the procession.
Students, trade unions, associations and other groups had visited the monument earlier in the day, leaving flowers in memory of the musician.
In Thessaloniki, protesters gathered at Kamara Square before marching through the city center toward the Venizelos statue. State broadcaster ERT reported that around 3,000 people participated in the march, with students, groups and organizations among those taking part. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans against racism and fascism.
The commemorations came amid renewed attention to the legacy of Golden Dawn. Four days before the anniversary, former Golden Dawn spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris was released from Domokos prison after serving his sentence related to the criminal organization case. He subsequently said he intended to return to political activity, according to reports.
The murder that shook Greece
Fyssas, born in Perama in 1979, was active in Greece's hip-hop scene and performed under the name Killah P. His music frequently addressed social and political issues, including his opposition to fascism.
On the night of September 17, 2013, Fyssas was at a café in Keratsini when an altercation broke out. Roupakias later arrived at the scene and stabbed Fyssas in the chest. Fyssas was taken to General State Hospital of Nikaia, where he was pronounced dead in the early hours of September 18.
Roupakias was arrested by police shortly afterward. The killing triggered a major investigation into Golden Dawn, ultimately leading to the prosecution and conviction of the organization's leadership.
In October 2020, a Greek court found Golden Dawn to be a criminal organization, with senior members convicted of leading or participating in it. The case was widely regarded as one of Greece's most significant trials involving a far-right political organization.
The 13th anniversary commemorations took place across Greece, with the Athens and Thessaloniki marches serving as the main demonstrations on September 18.
