Greek Neo-Nazi Leader Released From Prison, Vows Political Comeback

Ilias Kasidiaris, a former lawmaker and spokesperson for the neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn, was released from Domokos prison in Greece on Tuesday, September 15. Kasidiaris was convicted as a leader of the organization, which has been linked to numerous attacks on migrants and political opponents, as well as the 2013 murder of anti-fascist musician Pavlos Fyssas.

Upon his release, Kasidiaris was met by dozens of supporters and immediately declared his intention to return to politics, stating he was returning to the "front line" of political struggle and would form a "strong national party similar to those dominating across Europe," according to the Greek publication Proto Thema.

Kasidiaris served approximately seven years in prison, a term that included time in pre-trial detention and prison labor. An appeals court in Athens upheld his conviction and sentence in March 2026, confirming Golden Dawn as a neo-Nazi criminal organization with a clear hierarchy and ties to violent acts.

However, Kasidiaris's return to electoral politics faces legal hurdles. His lawyer, Vasos Pantazis, indicated that current legislation prohibits him from founding his own party or holding an executive position within one, though he might attempt to run in elections through another organization. The Supreme Court of Greece will make the final decision on his eligibility to participate in elections, as reported by Kathimerini and Greek public broadcaster ERT.

Israeli media have identified Kasidiaris as a prominent Greek neo-Nazi and Holocaust denier, with The Times of Israel noting a swastika tattoo on his body. In 2012, while a member of parliament, Kasidiaris read from "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion," an antisemitic forgery, in the Greek parliament. The Jerusalem Post also recalled that Golden Dawn representatives made antisemitic statements and labeled Israel the "eternal enemy" of Greece and Greek Orthodoxy.