The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has released a statement today condemning the release of the jailed leader and founder of Greece’s far-right Golden Dawn party, Nikos Mihaloliakos.
On May 3, Mr Mihaloliakos was released from prison on parole, four years into a sentence of 13-and-a-half years.
Full statement in English
The Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria adds its voice to those who have expressed disagreement and concern regarding the release of Nikolaos Michaloliakos from prison. Michaloliakos was convicted of founding the criminal organisation ‘Golden Dawn.’ It is regrettable that he has been released after serving only four years of a 13-and-a-half-year sentence. Golden Dawn operated as a criminal organisation under the guise of a political party.
We consistently support individuals and groups who uphold democratic principles and human rights, regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or colour.
The upcoming European elections serve as a reminder of Europe’s ongoing efforts to heal and unite following the trauma of Nazism and the global wounds it inflicted, particularly in our homeland. Symbols like swastikas and chants praising Hitler have no place in our society.
Additionally, we commend the Supreme Court’s decision, initiated by the Greek government with bipartisan support, to exclude the Golden Dawn party’s descendants from participating in the upcoming European elections.
