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Greek state prosecutor tries to scupper Golden Dawn jailings

GREECE’S state prosecutor Adamantia Economou continued her battle for the suspension of jail terms for all but one of the fascist Golden Dawn party members convicted of leading a criminal organisation last week.

Proceedings are expected to continue today in a process drawn out by Ms Economous’s insistence on recommending that all of those found guilty, with the exception of Giorgos Roupakis, be allowed to remain free pending appeal.

The hearing was suspended on Tuesday after judge Maria Lepeniotou challenged the prosecutors call for suspensions, saying that she had overlooked that fact that 11 of the 57 convicted had criminal records, including for manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.

Ms Lepeniotou also reminded the court that former Golden Dawn MP and current MEP Ioannis Lagos had breached pre-trial restrictions in 2015.

But when court reconvened yesterday, Ms Economou refused to change tack and dismissed what she called attacks on her personality over the recommendations “immoral.”

She insisted that Mr Ianos had not deliberately breached his 2015 bail conditions and argued that it showed he “has a permanent residence.”

The antics of the state prosecutor threaten to undermine what has been hailed as a major victory for the Greek anti-fascist movement in the biggest political trial since Nuremburg.

With a decision expected today, it is possible that lawyers may seek an urgent inquiry into the actions of Ms Economous and her potential sacking as state prosecutor.

A landmark ruling earlier this month found that Golden Dawn was a criminal organisation, with leading members responsible for murders, attempted murders and other crimes.

The entire leadership of the party was found guilty of a range of crimes and handed jail sentences ranging form ten years to 13 years and nine months, just below the maximum sentences for each charge.

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