The Golden Dawn case is unprecedented and of major historical importance for post-junta Greek politics. If former MPs and members are convicted in appeal for leading and participating in a criminal organization, Golden Dawn will become the only political entity in Europe to have entered parliament twice, with its entire parliamentary group later receiving final convictions for involvement in a criminal organization. This was confirmed by both the indictment from the Athens Court of Appeals and the 12,746-page verdict from the Athens Three-Member Court of Felonies. The judiciary characterized Golden Dawn as a Nazi body structured along Nazi lines, engaged in continuous criminal activity—primarily xenophobic and racist attacks—operating as a criminal organization under the guise of a political party. While this final judicial assessment holds great historical weight, comparing Golden Dawn’s actions to other Nazi formations, it has nearly zero impact on the criminal treatment of the 42 defendants. After 11 full years since the first trial began in April 2015, the appeal trial has not concluded and is expected to finish only in spring 2026. Nearly all convicted leaders and members have already been released after serving two-fifths of their sentences. Except for Giannis Lagos and Ilias Kasidiaris, the entire leadership—including Nikos Michaloliakos, the undisputed leader, who was released three months ago citing serious health issues—is now free. Even if the appellate court confirms the initial verdict, all will have already served their time, including the last two. Even if harsher sentences—up to the legal maximum of 15 years—are imposed due to the prosecutor’s appeal, the difference from the original 13-year terms would be minimal, and the convicted will remain free. In short, justice in the Golden Dawn case came too late; criminal accountability now serves mainly a historical purpose.
Golden Dawn Ruling: Historically Significant, But No Criminal Impact
—