[ad_1]
The verdict against the Greek neo-fascists is also nipping the creation of new companies in the bud, says journalist Rodothea Seralidou.
Seven years ago, a member of the neo-fascist “Golden Dawn” party stabbed left rapper Pavlos Fyssas in the street. The murder scared Greece. After five years of trial, a court has classified the third largest party in the country as a criminal organization. 69 members were charged, more than 40 were convicted, including for attempted assassinations of migrants and trade unionists. Rodothea Seralidou, an employee of SRF, followed the historic verdict in Athens.
Rodothea Seralidou
Freelance journalist
SRF News: How do the judges justify the trial?
Rodothea Seralidou: You see as proven that behind the “Golden Dawn” party there is a long-term association of at least three people for the purpose of committing crimes. This meets the criteria for founding and participating in a criminal organization.
Verdict in the trial of the five-year-old monster: Judge Maria Lepenioti reads the verdict against members of the “Golden Dawn”, the former third largest party in Greece.
Keystone
The party leader, all the former deputies and two other high-ranking members were found guilty. Also, the killer was found guilty by rapper Pavlos Fyssas. The sentence remains open. Fyssas’s killer faces life in prison, the leaders of the criminal organization up to 15 years in prison.
15,000 protesters awaited the verdict in front of the Athens Criminal Court. How are the reactions?
There was great applause when the verdict was announced. Participants said they were very satisfied. The reactions in politics are similar. Today democracy has won and it is up to everyone to keep it that way, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a televised speech. Left-wing opposition leader Alexis Tsipras and President Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou also spoke of a historic decision.
Thousands of people gathered in front of the Athens Criminal Court for a demonstration against fascism that morning.
Keystone
What effects does the judgment have on the party?
As a political party, the “Golden Dawn” cannot be prohibited in the Greek legal system. But because its leaders have now been convicted as part of a criminal organization, the organization will almost certainly disappear from the scene, or at least it will no longer be able to play a role.
The organization will almost certainly disappear from the stage.
The organization has strict hierarchical structures and cannot function without your leadership. The party has already suffered enormous damage from the legal proceedings. Party funding has ceased, offices have had to close and have not reached parliament. In addition, many supporters have turned their backs on him.
The late rapper’s mother became a symbolic figure during the trial: Magda Fyssa was in court for nearly 450 days after the trial. After the verdict, he left the room with his fists raised and continued to shout his son’s name.
Keystone
What does that mean for the extreme right in Greece? Are there parts that are now entering the gap?
There are new parties that former high-ranking members of the “Golden Dawn” have founded. But they too were found guilty today. The trial practically nips these party formations in the bud.
However, there is still a far-right scene in Greece. There will also be groups in the future that will try to take on the role of the “Golden Dawn”. Anti-fascist organizations view today’s trial as a victory, although the fight against neo-fascism and racism must continue.
The interview was conducted by Simone Hulliger.
