Greek leaders ban convicted parties from participating in elections – #Greek #leaders #ban #convicted #parties #participating #elections
ATHENS, February 9 (Reuters) – Greece leaders of the parliament on the eve of the popular vote to be held in the spring crime found guilty of committing political paved the way for banning parties from participating in elections.
On Wednesday, lawmakers once Greece’s third largest political like the powerful far-right Golden Dawn political voted in favor of an amendment aimed at preventing parties from running as candidates after being declared a criminal gang linked to hate crimes. 2020 court decision.
It is also 202013 years in imprisonment will also influence the small, far-right Ellhnes or Ellines party, meaning “Greeks”, founded by convicted former Golden Dawn MP and spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris. Opinion polls showed the party needed to pass the 3% threshold to enter parliament.
The amendment introduced by the conservative government was approved by a majority of lawmakers in the 300-seat chamber.
Latest updatesINSIGHT How a group of Ukrainian civilians helped seal Russia’s biggest defeat, article with gallery, Europe category Zelenskiy more weapons to EU leaders, membership talks, article with gallery
See 2 more stories
Prime Minister “No one in this room wants to go through, to see again … the representation of a few in parliament becomes a tool of violence against citizens and leads to brutal killings and injuries,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis said before the vote. To confirm the.
Golden Dawn is associated with the murder of an anti-fascist rapper and violent attacks against political opponents, immigrants and left-wing activists. The appeal trial of convicted Golden Dawn members, including Kasidiaris, began last June and may last up to two years.
In his statement, Kasidiaris demanded the immediate withdrawal of the amendment and accused the government of “anti-democracy” for its own interests conspiracy“he accused.
Under the amendment, “real leaders” of parties, not just their official representatives, could face life in prison for crimes ranging from treason or espionage to complicity in crime. imprisonment if he has been found guilty in any instance for crimes punishable by punishment, he cannot participate in the elections. organization.
Greece constitution crime prohibits a person with a past from participating in elections, provided that the person’s guilt is confirmed at all stages of the legal process and is exhausted in an appeal.
High whether the parties fulfill the conditions to participate in the elections court decides.
Left-wing, main opposition Syriza party government national before the vote, he accused the far-right of using tactics to win over voters.
Reporting by Renee Maltezou; Added by Lefteris Papadimas report; Edited by Kim Coghill
Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
2023-02-09 11:43:35
Source – reuters
Translation“24 HOURS”