Golden Dawn trial resumes, once again
The trial of Golden Dawn deputies, members and supporters resumed at a specially-designed hall at maximum security Korydallos Prison on Thursday. Proceedings had been suspended on May 15 after protesters being escorted to an adjacent courtroom for the trial of alleged members of the Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire guerilla group, hurled bottles at journalists covering the Golden Dawn trial.
Court president Maria Lepeniotou noted on Thursday that she had submitted two requests for the trial to be moved to the Athens Appeals Court. Both requests were rejected by the appeals court’s administrative body, she said.
Lepeniotou added that she had also filed a request with the head of Greek police for a reinforcement of security measures, given that the Golden Dawn trial was expected to coincide with that of alleged members of the Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire over the summer. The court’s aim was for the trial to run ‘smoothly’ throughout the summer until a special courtroom was erected by the justice ministry at the Athens Appeals Court, said Lepeniotou.
Court proceedings were previously suspended after defense teams demanded a change of venue citing security concerns, while local authorities and residents also requested for the hearings to be moved to the Athens Appeals Court.
In the trial, a total of 69 suspects, including party leader Nikos Michaloliakos, face charges ranging from membership of a criminal organization to murder.
