A Greek prosecutor has described the far-right Golden Dawn party as a “criminal Nazi organization” during second-instance hearings of its members’ long-running criminal cases. The remarks were made by Kyriaki Stefanatou, addressing the Court of Appeals for Felonies, where the group’s activities are being re-examined.
“The Golden Dawn is a genuine product of Nazi ideology, and this ideology motivated their actions,” Stefanatou said. She emphasized that members were required to submit fully to the party’s hierarchy, with all operations organized under central leadership.
From Party to Criminal Organization
Stefanatou stressed that Golden Dawn was not simply a political party but a criminal organization operating for three decades before transforming into a parliamentary party. “It is not a gang or a mob,” she added, noting that the party served as a “façade” for its organized illegal activities.
The prosecutor referred to the 42 defendants as “true children of Nazi ideology,” criticizing their leadership, including Nikolaos Michaloliakos, as being focused on street-level operations. She condemned the members as “waste, professionally failed, and preoccupied with street violence.”
Attempts to Conceal Ideology
Stefanatou also pointed out the attempts by some members to hide their Nazi beliefs. “Before the rooster crowed, three denied their Nazi ideology,” she said, underlining that the organization maintained strict internal discipline and oversight.
“All actions were organized with full knowledge of the central administration,” Stefanatou concluded, highlighting the tight hierarchical structure that controlled all local branches.
Public Response
Outside the courthouse, dozens of unions, civil society groups, and citizens gathered in solidarity against fascism. Pavlos Fyssas’ mother, Magda Fyssas, called on supporters to join her once again in demonstrating against the organization.
All former Golden Dawn members released from prison were absent from the proceedings, except for Ioannis Lagos, who remains incarcerated.
