Former Golden Dawn leader Nikos Michaloliakos is set to return to prison following a decision by the Court of Appeals, which nullified an earlier ruling that had allowed his release. Michaloliakos, who was convicted of leading a criminal organization, will continue to serve his 13-year and 6-month sentence.
Judicial Reversal
The judges reviewing the case accepted the prosecutor’s recommendation and decided that Michaloliakos must remain in prison. The initial sentence was handed down by the Three-Member Felony Court of Appeal of Athens, which ruled that Golden Dawn is a criminal organization and Michaloliakos held a leading role within it.
The Judicial Council of Lamia had previously granted Michaloliakos a conditional release, despite the prosecutor’s opposition. The conditions included restrictions such as a travel ban outside of Attica, a ban on leaving the country, and a prohibition on meeting with co-defendants.
Continued Controversy
However, the Court of Appeals, agreeing with the prosecutor, found that Michaloliakos continued to glorify the illegal Nazi-type practices of Golden Dawn in his online writings, despite his trial and conviction. This indicated that he remains unrepentant and poses a risk of committing further offenses.
Following this development, the earlier verdict is overturned, Michaloliakos’ conviction is reinstated, and he will return to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.
