Ilias Kasidiaris released from prison

Ilias Kasidiaris, a senior figure in the criminal organization Golden Dawn, was released from Domokos prison on September 15, 2026, after serving seven years in detention. The former deputy leader was initially sentenced in 2020 to 13 years and six months for directing a criminal organization and illegal possession of weapons, with the sentence later reduced to 13 years by an appellate court in March 2026. His release coincides with the upcoming 13th anniversary of the murder of Pavlos Fyssas, an event that serves as a grim symbolic marker for the period of his incarceration.

Despite his release, Kasidiaris faces strict legislative barriers preventing his return to mainstream politics. Under current Greek law, he is prohibited from serving as a candidate for any party or holding a leadership position until October 2033, as these restrictions are tied to the length of his original sentence rather than the time actually spent in custody. While Kasidiaris has publicly signaled his intention to return to political activity through social media, legal and political experts remain concerned about the potential impact of his presence on the far-right political landscape in Greece.