Greek parliament votes to suspend funding for parties linked to violence

The Greek parliament approved early Wednesday a law that opens the way for the suspension of state funding for political parties linked to violence. With 235 votes in favor out of 269 deputies present during the roll call vote starting shortly before midnight, the assembly passed the bill, which comes amidst a crackdown on the far-right Golden Dawn (Chryssi Avgi) party. Under the new law, parties with leading members accused of serious criminal offenses will no longer receive state funding. Six Golden Dawn members of parliament, including party chief Nikos Michaloliakos, have been charged with creating and running a criminal organization following the killing of anti-fascist musician Pavlos Fyssas on Sept. 18 by a party supporter. Last week, the parliament voted to lift their immunity so that they could be brought to justice. Golden Dawn denied any wrong-doing and dismissed allegations of violence as "a defamation campaign orchestrated in fear of its rising popularity." The party gained seats in parliament for the first time in last year's general elections with about 7 percent of the vote, capitalizing on the Greek society's angst at austerity measures introduced to counter the debt crisis. Golden Dawn was gaining popularity until the murder.