Athens--Dozens of people linked to Greece's neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party go on trial Monday on charges ranging from murder to participation in a criminal organisation, as officials brace for trouble among rival protesters at the scene.
The trial, expected to last for months, will likely decide the future of parliament's third-largest party, an openly xenophobic and anti-Semitic formation that used to be on the fringes of national politics but whose popularity soared as the country sank into economic hardship.
Set inside a high security prison in Athens, the trial has authorities preparing for possible confrontation both inside and outside the jail.
Inside, anti-fascist and anti-racism groups that have vowed to keep a close eye on the proceedings are planning to supply enough supporters to offset an expected crowd of Golden Dawn members.
"Golden Dawn members usually cram (into) the courtroom from dawn. We do not want this to happen, and will take all necessary measures to prevent it," anti-fascist activist Takis Giannopoulos told AFP in the run-up to the trial.
Outside, local authorities are also preparing for disturbances, with police likely to erect barriers to keep the rivals apart.
"This is Greece's biggest trial in 40 years. It will last at least 18 months. There will be gatherings by anti-fascist groups and Golden Dawn supporters," Korydallos mayor Stavros Kasimatis told AFP ahead of the trial.
AFP
