Statement about former Golden Dawn MP sparks debate in Greece, Fredi Beleri backtracks after PASOK criticism

Fredi Beleri, a New Democracy MEP, has become embroiled in a political dispute in Greece in recent hours over his comments concerning Ilias Kasidiaris and the Greek justice system.

Kasidiaris, a former Golden Dawn MP, was released from prison on September 15 after serving part of his 13-year sentence. Following his release, he announced that he intends to return to politics.

According to Top Channel’s correspondent in Greece, Aleksandër Marku, Beleri made the statement on ONE television on September 10, several days before Kasidiaris was released. During the discussion, the MEP described him as “one of the few Greeks who served his prison sentence until the final day.”

The statement prompted a strong reaction from PASOK, the largest opposition party, which called on the government and New Democracy to publicly and clearly distance themselves from Beleri’s position.

Facing criticism, Fredi Beleri issued a public clarification in which he acknowledged that he had misspoken. He called the wording “inappropriate” and stressed that he has no connection to Ilias Kasidiaris or to what he represents politically.

At the same time, Beleri accused PASOK of taking part of his statement out of context. He insisted that his position on democracy, institutions and the rule of law leaves no room for ambiguity.

The MEP also recalled that, in his view, New Democracy was the political force that confronted Golden Dawn through institutional channels and brought the case before the courts. For this reason, he stressed that his stance toward the organization cannot be interpreted ambiguously.

Ilias Kasidiaris was one of Golden Dawn’s most prominent figures and was convicted as the leader of a criminal organization. During his years in prison, he continued to maintain a considerable political and social media presence, while following his release he announced his intention to return to the political scene.