Top court upholds election ban for far-right party

Greece's Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to ban the far-right Greeks Party from participating in the country's upcoming general election, upholding legal amendments approved by lawmakers.

The amendments adopted by Parliament in February disqualify parties led by politicians convicted of serious offenses or ones that would not "serve the free functioning of [Greece's] democratic constitution."

Imprisoned former lawmaker Ilias Kasidiaris and his National Party are not allowed to participate in the May 21 election under those terms. The ban, broadly supported by Greece's mainstream political parties, was upheld despite an 11th-hour change in the National Party leadership.

The Supreme Court's 9-1 decision to uphold parliament's action could effect the outcome of the election, since the winning party would likely have an easier time forming a new government with...