New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. World
  2. Europe
7 June 2012

Video: Golden Dawn spokesman attacks left-wing politicians on live TV

Far-right politician faces arrest after assault of Communist Party member on talk-show.

By Samira Shackle

An arrest warrant has been issued for a member of Greece’s extremist far-right party Golden Dawn (Chrysi Avgi) after he assaulted two left-wing politicians on live television this morning.

During a heated discussion on a political talk show, Ilias Kasidiaris threw water over Rena Dourou, a member of the radical left Syriza party, after she referred to a pending court case pending against Kasidiaris (in which he is accused of being an accomplice in the mugging of a student). He then jumped out of his seat to slap Communist Party member Liana Kanelli, after a disagreement about whether there were oil reserves south of Crete. The show quickly went off air after Kasidiaris hit Kanelli, but some reports suggest that scuffles continued after the cameras were off.

Golden Dawn, which won nearly 7 per cent of the vote on 6 May, is frequently described as a neo-Nazi party, a label it rejects. Members have been accused of being behind recent attacks on immigrants, a charge which the party denies.

Although Kasidiaris was elected to parliament on 6 May, he will not be protected by parliamentary immunity – the House has been dissolved so that elections can take place.

Here is the full clip:

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

Content from our partners
Unlocking investment in UK life sciences through manufacturing
Data defines a new era for fundraising
A prescription for success: improving the UK's access to new medicines