Greece Upholds Convictions of Far-Right Party Leadership

Athens appellate court confirms Golden Dawn as a criminal organization

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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An Athens appellate court has upheld the 2020 convictions of the leadership and senior members of the far-right Greek political party Golden Dawn, confirming the party's designation as a criminal organization. The ruling is seen as a major victory for the rule of law in Greece, with the government and rights groups welcoming the decision.

Why it matters

The Golden Dawn party rose to prominence during Greece's financial crisis, winning seats in parliament, but its leadership was involved in unlawful activities including murder, violent attacks, and illegal weapons possession. The court's decision to uphold the convictions is an important step in addressing the threat of far-right extremism in the country.

The details

The 2020 trial court ruling saw 68 party members convicted, including the party's founder Nikos Michaloliakos. During the appeal process, prosecutors urged the court to maintain the guilty verdict, stating that 'Nazi ideology is the motivation for the criminal action that is carried out against political dissidents and immigrants.' Following the initial conviction, the Greek Parliament passed legislation prohibiting ex-convicts from holding leadership positions in political parties, affecting former Golden Dawn spokesman Illias Kasidiaris.

  • The original convictions were handed down by a Greek trial court in 2020.
  • The appeal process began in 2022 and concluded with the appellate court's ruling on March 6, 2026.

The players

Nikos Dendias

Greek Defence Minister who welcomed the appellate court's decision as 'a historical milestone for the Greek justice system and the rule of law.'

Nikos Michaloliakos

Founder of the Golden Dawn party, whose leadership was convicted in the 2020 trial court ruling.

Illias Kasidiaris

Former Golden Dawn spokesman who was sentenced to 13 years in prison on charges of running a criminal organization, weapon trafficking, extortion and murder, and was barred from participating in the 2023 election through a new party.

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What they’re saying

“Nazi ideology is the motivation for the criminal action that is carried out against political dissidents and immigrants.”

— Kyriaki Steganatou, Prosecutor

“A historical milestone for the Greek justice system and the rule of law.”

— Nikos Dendias, Greek Defence Minister

What’s next

The Greek government is expected to continue its efforts to address the threat of far-right extremism in the country, including through the enforcement of the new law prohibiting ex-convicts from holding leadership positions in political parties.

The takeaway

The appellate court's decision to uphold the convictions of Golden Dawn's leadership sends a strong message that the Greek government and judiciary are committed to combating far-right extremism and protecting the rule of law, even in the face of powerful political movements.