The long-awaited ruling from the Greek judiciary has officially designated Golden Dawn, a far-right political party, as a criminal organization driven by neo-Nazi ideology. The decision was reached by the Athens Court of Appeals, which confirmed the convictions of several key figures within the party, including its leader Nicolaos Michaloliakos. This ruling concluded a lengthy and complex legal process that began in 2013, primarily sparked by the assassination of anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas, who was killed by a member of the party.

The judgment marks a significant moment in Greek legal history, representing the culmination of the longest-running trial in the country, which has included numerous testimonies and evidence linking Golden Dawn to violent crimes and hate speech. The court's decision also encompasses penalties for 69 members of the organization, highlighting the systemic nature of the violence associated with the party, which has been accused of orchestrating attacks against marginalized groups and political opponents. In addition to Michaloliakos, prominent members such as Jristos Pappas and Ilias Kasidiaris were among those convicted, reflecting the party's leadership's central role in its criminal operations.

Although the legal proceedings are nearing their conclusion, the court will hold a final session to determine any aggravating or mitigating circumstances related to the sentences. This verdict not only addresses the specific cases against the individuals involved but also serves as a broader condemnation of far-right extremism in Greece, sending a message about the legal system's commitment to combating ideologies that incite violence and hate.