The Prosecutor of Greece’s Supreme Court has imposed charges of electoral fraud against eleven lawmakers of the far-right Spartiates (Spartans) party.
Ekathimerini reported that these charges could affect the parliamentary seats of the other parties, however, the charges don’t include the party’s leader, Vassilis Stigas.
The prosecutor, Georgia Adeilini, has also targeted Ilias Kasidiaris, the former deputy leader of the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn group, who is currently incarcerated and accused of incitement to commit fraud. One of his lawyers, Sotirios Metaxas, has also been accused for complicity in deceiving the electorate.
An investigation carried out by Ms Adeilini revealed that despite their official affiliation with the Spartiates party, they were receiving support and direct guidance from the former deputy leader of the Neo Nazi Golden Dawn group, Mr Kasidiaris.
Her report claimed that the 11 lawmakers of the Spartans party effectively “used the Spartiates party as a front for a new political entity under Kasidiaris, thereby aiding him in circumventing the electoral restrictions imposed by election legislation”.
The investigation additionally revealed that Mr Kasidiaris had close ties to candidates from a new political party, providing guidance and support, despite legal restrictions due to his criminal conviction.
The probe was initiated after Stigas accused party members of being influenced by external forces and employing questionable practices, though he later withdrew his statement.
In the June 2023 elections, the Spartiates party secured 4.68% of the vote, electing 12 MPs, but now holds 10 seats following disputes with Stigas, resulting in two MPs declaring themselves independents.
Source: Ekathimerini.
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