Stathis Boukouras

The long-awaited trial of the leadership and MPs of the neofascist Golden Dawn and dozens of party supporters began on Monday in a special courtroom at Korydallos Prison, western Athens, but GD?s leaders were conspicuous by their absence, and the proceedings were adjourned until May 7.

Greek Parliament failed to elect a president for a second time on Tuesday after 168 of 300 MPs voted in favor of the candidate, Stavros Dimas, meaning a third ballot will be needed on December 29.

Former Golden Dawn MP Stathis Boukouras was released from pre-trial custody on Wednesday following a ruling by the council of appeals judges.

Boukouras, who now stands as an independent in Parliament, was on Wednesday ordered by judges to post 10,000 euros in bail and was banned from leaving the country.

The government garnered 160 votes in the first round of crucial presidential elections on Wednesday, performing slightly worse than anticipated and increasing speculation about snap polls.

The first of possibly three presidential ballots will take place on Wednesday evening, with the government expecting its candidate, Stavros Dimas, to receive at least 161 of 300 MPs’ votes, which will be well short of the 200 needed to be elected but a basis for the coalition to work from for the final ballot on December 29, when 180 votes will be required.

A prosecutor responsible for dealing with matters relating to Korydallos Prison is due to decide early this week if the seven Golden Dawn MPs being held in pre-trial custody at the facility should be allowed to vote in the presidential elections.

Claims by former financial prosecutor Spyros Mouzakitis, who had handled a probe into the so-called Lagarde list of wealthy Greeks, that his work was obstructed by the government on Monday prompted the intervention of a Justice Ministry official.

Expelled far-right lawmaker Stathis Boukouras, who was ousted from Golden Dawn in March after distancing himself from the party, has filed an appeal to be released from pre-trial custody.

Celebrity lawyer Alexis Kougias on Tuesday resigned as defense lawyer for former Golden Dawn lawmaker Stathis Boukouras, who now stands as an independent in Parliament, without stating the reasons for his withdrawal.

A prosecutor on Thursday proposed the conditional release of former Golden Dawn deputy Stathis Boukouras (photo), who has served six months in pretrial detention on charges of running a criminal organization.