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Golden Dawn MPs appeared before investigators with a common political line, trying to dismiss charges of organising and participating in a criminal organisation with a structure and hierarchy which is based on "the power of the leader." The only questioned MP who had a different opinion was Ilias Panayotaros who mentioned that the opinion of the Chief Secretary of the party "has more weight and is taken into account" for "serious decisions".

Nikos Mihaloliakos

All four rejected the existence of a structure that was based on "the power of the leader", claiming that the statute included in the documents of the accusation was false. Mihaloliakos, and the other accused MPs interviewed by the investigator, rejected the theory that the opinion of the leader had influence in decision-making, citing the party's constitution, approved by the Supreme Court, which provides for voting by the Central Committee of the party on the basis of the majority.

Panayotaros claimed the same but added that "when taking crucial decisions, the opinion of Mihaloliakos has more weight and is taken into account." For example, on the eve of 28 October 2012, an order was given with his decision to local organisations, members and cores, that wreaths should not be presented anywhere, in order to avoid clashes with political opponents.

Ilias Panayotaros

They shouted, "Stand up!" embittered by ... the media

In his explanations before the investigator, the Secretary of Golden Dawn himself spoke about "the democratic structure" of the party, when he was enrolled for the position of the party leader. The secretary, charged with organising and participating in a criminal group, together with other members, was also asked about the notorious phrase "Stand up!"

Question: What is the role of the Secretary of Golden Dawn as party leader? How would you comment on the fact that on the election night of 6 May 2012, at a press conference, party member and future MP Germenis told attending journalists to stand up upon your entering the hall?

Mihaloliakos: I'm just the head of the central committee ... As for this event, it was an isolated case for which I'm not responsible. There are many more examples of internal party politics, in which my opinion is not decisive as party leader. Even this fact alone proves the democratic structure of Golden Dawn.

Accused MPs reckon that "Stand up!" was due to the disappointment of party members by media attacks against them.

The party leader, responding to a question about the "same appearance of a military type" of members of Golden Dawn, said that he condemned this behaviour and clothing, as well as military marching. MPs believe that this is fashion and imitation. Panayotaros however, believes that military pants and black shirts are worn on events by members of the party who have security functions.

Mihaloliakos also said that he does not accept illegal practices, such as "organised operations" for inspections of foreigners - small sellers, but did not answer the question about the recent event at Meligalas where MPs and party members moved along as a military company.

In contrast, Ilias Panayotaros, Ioannis Lagos and Nikos Michos said that it was decided, without saying by whom, to form an honourable company in Meligalas as a sign of respect for the place. Ilias Kasidiaris answered this question by saying that they marched in an organised manner upon his insistence and Christos Pappas defined the company in Meligalas as something unorganised.

According to Mihaloliakos, assault groups were defamation and when he was asked about the testimony of journalist Dimitris Psaras, he said the following:

Question: According to the testimony of Dimitris Psaras in the summer of 2010 at Thermopylae, addressing supporters of the party, you told them, "You are assault groups" and then, when talking about your opponents, you said "They'll see what it means to sharpen bayonets on sidewalks - a phrase that comes from assault groups of Hitler ... Did you say this and if so what did you have in mind?

Mihaloliakos: this is a misrepresentation of what I said. Addressing the audience, I told them that they are defamed as assault groups and they know very well what these groups were when they actually sharpened bayonets.

"We neither take credits, nor support economic interests"

Mihaloliakos was asked about the party’s funding and said that the main source of funding was the state subsidy and defined related publications as defamation. In conclusion, he said that Golden Dawn not only hasn’t borrowed from banks, but it had a surplus of 400,000 euro.

Christos Pappas

Christos Pappas is responsible for funding, ensuring that the state subsidy is used for the neediest citizens, as well as in order to secure the appropriate functioning of offices. "There is no other funding, no dependence ... despite the fact that we are invited to participate as a party in appearances of big shots of the finance world, i.e. as a political movement supporting economic interests, but we believe that we express people's opinions."