Prosecutor asks Parl't to lift Kasidiaris' immunity over secret video

The prosecutor heading an investigation into a secretly filmed video showing former cabinet secretary Panayiotis Baltakos in conversation with the spokesman of neofascist Golden Dawn, Ilias Kasidiaris on Tuesday sent the case file to Parliament which is to decide on whether to lift the latter's immunity to prosecution on charges of making and using an illegal recording.

Kasidiaris already faces charges for setting up a criminal organization and illegal weapons possession.

Judicial officials have indicated that the use of the Baltakos video, and the threat of releasing more similar material, was an attempt by GD to create the impression that judges are following government orders and that the criminal charges faced by the majority of the party's MPs have been trumped up.

Apart from the fact that elections are looming next month, the timing of the video release is also believed to have anticipated a decision expected soon by the Supreme Court as to whether Golden Dawn candidates can stand in next month's elections. GD has already prepared for the eventuality of a ban by forming a new party called National Dawn under which its candidates could run in the elections.

Meanwhile an ongoing criminal investigation into Golden Dawn is gathering pace with the two magistrates in charge of it said to be reaching the end of a long examination of witnesses and preparing to summon MPs for their testimony.