Greece's extreme-Right party leader to be jailed Thursday

Greece's extreme-Right Chryssi Avgi (Golden Dawn) party leader Nikos Michaloliakos was due to be transferred at the country's main prison complex Korydallos by sunset on Thursday, as the investigation into the circumstances of the Sept. 18 murder of an anti-fascist activist by a party member and other criminal acts continues. Michaloliakos testified before an investigating judge on Wednesday night, dismissing the charges over the formation and operation of a criminal organization as politically motivated. All four party deputies who had appeared in court earlier this week, as well as the party's number two who was testifying on Thursday noon, held the same stance. Three of the defendants were released on Wednesday pending trial. Michaloliakos was remanded in custody along with MP Yannis Lagos, the head of Golden Dawn's party at the Piraeus district where the killing took place. Golden Dawn's leadership is accused of orchestrating a long series of violent attacks against political opponents and migrants in recent years. The killing of Pavlos Fyssas triggered strong reactions nationwide, leading to the ongoing crackdown. According to judicial sources, Michaloliakos claimed on Wednesday that he as well as all Golden Dawn does not support violence. According to the same sources, incriminating evidence gathered since his arrest last Saturday in the context of a wide crack down on the party, indicate otherwise. In a press release on Thursday Golden Dawn argued that his detention "has been dictated by foreign power centers." Meanwhile, police investigation continues, leading to further arrests. On Thursday a female Golden Dawn member who had run for parliament in last year's general elections, was apprehended for a racist attack and illegal possession of weapons. Since Saturday more than two dozen party members have been arrested. Golden Dawn currently holds 18 seats. It entered the 300-member strong parliament for the first time in the 2012 general polls, riding on a wave of anger and frustration at the harsh austerity implemented to tackle a severe debt crisis and garnering seven percent of the votes. After the Sept. 18 murder, Golden Dawn's popularity has sank amidst mounting calls for an end to neo-Nazi violence and a ban on the party.