Golden Dawn leader’s release draws criticism

Nikos Michaloliakos, the formerly powerful leader of the now defunct neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party, has been conditionally released from prison after a decision by the judicial council of Lamia in central Greece.

Michaloliakos, who was serving a multi-year sentence for the leading role he played in the party's criminal activity, was released against to the prosecutor's recommendation, which was categorically against his parole before the expiry of his detention period.

The decision provoked heated debate and criticism, as the judicial council ruled despite the opposition of the public prosecutor, who insisted that the request for his release did not meet substantial conditions and that he remains unrepentant. He cited extensive articles in which Michaloliakos, 66, appears unrepentant and that he declares his imprisonment is a political political persecution and a...