Ilias Kasidiaris released from prison after serving sentence for Golden Dawn conviction

Ilias Kasidiaris, a former high-ranking member of the criminal organization Golden Dawn, was released from Domokos prison on September 15, 2026, after serving a 13-year prison sentence. His release occurred just days before the 13th anniversary of the murder of Pavlos Fyssas, an event closely associated with the group's criminal activities. Outside the prison, supporters welcomed his departure as he signaled his intent to return to political activity.

Following his release, Kasidiaris announced his intention to form a new political party, describing it as a "national" entity and declaring his goal to oppose the current government. His defense lawyer, Vaso Pantazi, claimed he is the only Greek prisoner to have served his full sentence without a final irrevocable conviction, while also citing human rights concerns. Kasidiaris intends to hold a press conference to outline his future political steps.

Despite his stated ambitions, Greek legislation currently imposes strict limitations on his political participation. Under existing laws, he is prohibited from leading a political party or serving as a candidate on any electoral list until October 2033. Legal and political experts continue to monitor these developments, noting that the ban is tied to the total duration of the original court-imposed sentence rather than the actual time spent in detention.