Anti-establishment protesters barge into Golden Dawn trial
The resumption on Friday of the trial of Golden Dawn leaders and members at Korydallos Prison was marred by upheaval after anti-establishment protesters being escorted to an adjacent courtroom for a trial of alleged members of the Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire guerrilla group burst into the premises of the GD trial.
According to reporters covering the trial, the protesters burst into the specially-designed courtroom designated for the GD trial and hurled bottles at journalists, shouting “fascists” and “the gallows are coming.”
Police intervened and managed to round up the protesters before it could get out of hand but the incident jarred judges, lawyers and defendant.
A group of around 50 anti-fascist protesters held a demonstration outside Korydallos Prison at around the same time but there were no reports of any unrest.
Meanwhile local authorities and residents lodged a fresh appeal for the Golden Dawn trial to be relocated from Korydallos Prison to the Athens Appeals Court. Justice Minister Nikos Paraskevopoulos has said the transfer can happen, but not before September. Local authorities want the trial moved now due to security concerns and as local schools are to host university entrance examinations from next week.
