Former Golden Dawn lawmaker Ilias Kasidiaris has left prison and announced plans to return to Greek politics.
Kasidiaris walked out of Domokos prison in central Greece on Tuesday after completing his sentence for his role in the Golden Dawn criminal organisation.
Dozens of supporters gathered outside the prison to welcome him. Some waved Greek flags, while others chanted slogans in his support.
Kasidiaris told supporters that he would return to the political front line and launch a new political movement.
Ilias Kasidiaris Announces Political Return
Speaking after his release, Kasidiaris said he intended to build a new political movement.
He also attacked Greece’s political establishment and criticised politicians who oppose his return to parliament.
The former Golden Dawn spokesman presented his plans as a choice for Greek voters.
However, his return to elected office could face legal and political hurdles.
Greek authorities previously blocked his National Party-Greeks from contesting the 2023 parliamentary election. The Supreme Court made that decision under legislation targeting parties led by people convicted of serious crimes.
Golden Dawn’s Criminal Organisation Conviction
Kasidiaris became one of the most prominent Golden Dawn figures during Greece’s financial crisis.
The party entered parliament in 2012 as public anger over austerity and traditional political parties grew.
Later, a landmark 2020 trial found Golden Dawn guilty of operating as a criminal organisation.
The case also covered violent attacks against migrants and political opponents, as well as the 2013 murder of anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas.
The court convicted Kasidiaris as one of the organisation’s leaders.
Kasidiaris Continued Political Activity From Prison
Prison did not end Kasidiaris’s political activity.
Instead, he continued communicating with supporters through social media and maintained a significant online following.
In 2020, he created a new political formation known as National Party-Greeks, or Hellenes.
The Supreme Court later prevented the party from taking part in the 2023 election.
Kasidiaris then backed the far-right Spartans party, which won more than 240,000 votes in that election.
Supporters Welcome Kasidiaris Outside Prison
Supporters gathered outside Domokos prison as Kasidiaris walked free.
The crowd waved Greek flags and chanted his name.
His release comes as Greece approaches another parliamentary election cycle and far-right parties continue to attract attention across Europe.
Consequently, Kasidiaris hopes to use the current political climate to rebuild his movement.
Kasidiaris Has a Record of Violent Incidents
Kasidiaris has attracted controversy throughout his political career.
In 2012, he attacked Communist Party lawmaker Liana Kanelli during a live television broadcast. He slapped Kanelli and threw water at another politician during the confrontation.
His aggressive behaviour became a defining feature of his public image.
Meanwhile, his association with Golden Dawn’s extremist ideology remains central to debate about any future political role.
Political Comeback Faces Legal Questions
Kasidiaris says he wants to return to electoral politics, but that does not automatically give him the right to stand in an election.
Greek authorities previously barred his political formation from the 2023 election under legislation aimed at parties led by people convicted of serious offences.
His lawyer has indicated that he plans to participate in the next parliamentary elections. However, Greek electoral authorities and courts will determine the final legal position.
Greece expects its next parliamentary election in 2027.
Far Right Gains Attention Across Europe
Kasidiaris’s release comes as far-right movements continue to gain attention across Europe.
Germany’s Alternative for Germany has made significant electoral gains, while nationalist parties in several other countries have expanded their support.
That wider political environment could give Kasidiaris an opportunity to attract new supporters.
At the same time, his Golden Dawn record means any new political project will face intense scrutiny.
Ilias Kasidiaris Begins a New Political Chapter
The release of Ilias Kasidiaris marks another chapter in a deeply controversial political career.
He has made clear that prison did not end his political ambitions.
Now, he wants to build a new movement and challenge Greece’s political establishment.
Whether he can ultimately appear on an election ballot will depend on Greek law and decisions by the relevant authorities.
For now, Kasidiaris has made his intention clear: he wants to return to Greek politics.
