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The prosecutor’s office in Thessaloniki has ordered an investigation against Panos Kamenos, leader of the Independent Greeks party, the reason for this being his appeal to the inhabitants of the north-eastern part of Halkidiki, who are against the exploitation of the gold mines in the region, to lynch mayor Christos Pahtas.

Kamenos’ statement has scandalized the Greek public after a video filmed shortly after his speech at the International Trade Fair in Thessaloniki has been published on the web. Despite the noise Kamenos’ words are very clear, "Pahtas should be prevented from moving freely. Lynch him. We are with you."

The prosecutor’s office is carrying out the investigation under Article 184 of the Penal Code which states, "Whoever, publicly or by any other means, causes or incites the commission of a crime or offence shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of three years." The composed pre-file will be forwarded to the prosecutor’s office of the Supreme Court in order for the supreme magistrates to decide whether they will forward it to parliament.

The case has provoked strong reactions primarily from PASOK, as Christos Pahtas, mayor of Aristotle, comes from its ranks. "The unacceptable and fascist call of the leader of Independent Greeks for the lynching of mayor Christos Pahtas, who has been democratically elected, is another violent act on the part of Golden Dawn’s deputies. Mr. Kamenos is discussing future political cooperation with Mr. Tsipras, using the phraseology and methods of Golden Dawn at the same time. We urge the parties to condemn such actions," reads the statement of the party.

New Democracy has also issued an angry message. "The potential pillar of SYRIZA, the leader of Independent Greeks, Panos Kamenos, proves to be a true follower of the methods of Golden Dawn. His appeal to the people of Halkidiki, namely to lynch the mayor, does not significantly differ from the methods applied by the leaders of the neo-Nazi entity. The country cannot endure such games of social division and violence."

The criticism is not related only to the extreme populists. The media and people are negatively commenting on SYRIZA’s message in which the main opposition party condemns the decision of the prosecutor’s office to carry out an investigation against Panos Kamenos. The left wing determines the actions of the prosecutor’s office as "politically extreme and unsuccessful." Its message also reads, "The eagerness of the prosecutor’s office to start an investigation against him, prompted by the press office of the Prime Minister, is raising questions, especially bearing in mind the fact that deputies and members of Golden Dawn are openly provoking and attacking citizens and mayors and no action has been taken against them. Are these double standards? Is it that the investigations are being carried out selectively and must they be proposed by the press office of the Prime Minister?"

Mayor Christos Pahtas has stated he will file a complaint in court in connection with the call for his lynching.