Greek court says Golden Dawn may run in election

Although prosecuted by authorities as a ‘criminal organization,’ party cleared to contest May 25 election to European Parliament

By AP 12 May 2014, 2:01 pm

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Golden Dawn leader Nikos Michaloliakos (AP/Petros Giannakouris)

ATHENS, Greece — Greece’s Supreme Court has cleared the extreme right Golden Dawn party to contest the May 25 election to the European Parliament, despite it being prosecuted by authorities as a “criminal organization.”

The court approved a list of 43 parties that will contest the poll. Governing partner New Democracy and main opposition Radical Left Coalition, also known by its acronym, SYRIZA, are vying for first place. Golden Dawn, running on an anti-immigrant, nationalist platform, is variously shown as third or fourth in polls.

Golden Dawn’s leader and his deputy have been behind bars since last fall and have been followed recently by several more lawmakers, while awaiting trial.

They are accused of taking part in criminal acts, including murder, arson and extortion. Prosecutors have labeled the party a military-style criminal organization.