NEWS

Kasidiaris cleared over live TV attack on Communist MP

Golden Dawn lawmaker Ilias Kasidiaris on Friday was acquitted of charges of attempted grievous bodily harm against Communist Party (KKE) deputy Liana Kanelli following a televised brawl in June 2012.

An Athens court ruled that the assault was not as severe as described in the charges.

Moreover, judges did not convict Kasidiaris of plain assault because that would have required a lawsuit by the victim, which was never filed.

During the tense procedure, Kanelli was targeted for abuse by supporters of Kasidiaris who turned up at the court.

In his defense Kasidiaris, currently in pretrial custody together with other Golden Dawn MPs over charges of running a criminal organization, described the attack as an “unfortunate moment,” adding however that he had only slapped – but not punched – Kanelli.

The far-right deputy said he would have offered an apology if he had received one first.

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