Greek Golden Dawn party trial adjourned till May 7 amid scuffles

The historic trial of 69 members of Greece's ultra-right Golden Dawn (GD) party, which started Monday at a special courtroom inside the Korydallos maximum security prison at Piraeus, was adjourned till May 7 amid scuffles between anti-fascist protesters and the party's supporters.

The presiding judges made the decision when one of the defendants appeared in court with no defense lawyer.

GD leader Nikos Michaloliakos and a dozen lawmakers did not appear in court on Monday.

They are among those standing trial on charges of establishing and running a criminal gang, of at least two murders and dozens of violent attacks against political opponents and immigrants.

Most were arrested in autumn 2013 after the murder of anti-fascist musician Pavlos Fyssas by a GD supporter which triggered the judicial crackdown against the party. If the defendants are found guilty, they may face up to 20 years of prison.

With 300 witnesses and 120 lawyers, the trial of GD is one of the biggest trials conducted in Greece in recent years.

Local political analysts, law experts and media refer to it as a historic trial for the country. It is the first time since WWII that a parliamentary party in Greece is charged as a criminal organization.

The high profile trial is expected to last more than a year.

It began amidst a string of rallies outside the prison complex and the wider district staged by antifascist activists and members of trade unions, GD supporters and locals who complained about the disruption of their everyday life by increased police presence, media and demonstrators.

Five witnesses were verbally attacked by GD members outside the courthouse and the wider Korydallos area despite draconian security measures, Deputy Mayor of Korydallos Michalis Efthymiadis said.

Two of Fyssas' friends claimed that they came under a similar attack elsewhere, while a GD supporter was attacked by anti-fascists in another incident. No serious injuries were reported in the scuffles.

A centrist party legislator reported that he was also verbally attacked by anti-fascist protesters.

Due to the high tensions, local authorities and residents have asked for the trial's transfer to a different location, noting that there were schools next to the prison compound. On May 7 the request will be examined.

GD entered the Greek parliament for first time riding a wave of discontent of Greek voters in the 2012 general elections.

GD has dismissed all charges as politically motivated. The party held its ground despite the crackdown. In January's general elections, GD won 17 seats in the 300-member strong assembly. Endit