CRACKDOWN

Greek Neo-Fascist Politicians Arrested

5 members of Parliament and 10 party officials.

Nikos Michaloliakos, the leader of Greece’s neo-fascist Golden Dawn party, was arrested along with 4 other members of Parliament and 10 party officials by counterterrorism police and charged with forming a criminal organization. The arrests come two weeks after the murder of an anti-fascist musician by a man claiming to be associated with the ultra right-wing party. The crackdown is part of a broader effort to rid the country of extremism as Golden Dawn has grown in popularity in areas struck hardest by economic hardship and unemployment. Its members have reportedly threatened and beaten local immigrants, and perform the Nazi salute at meetings.