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The testimony

MP George Germenis testified before investigating judges Ioana Klapa and Maria Dimitropooulou. His testimony lasted for hours and ended shortly before 4 p.m. on Saturday. Lawmaker from Magnisia Panagiotis Iliopoulos also came to testify immediately thereafter. A third MP, Efstathios Boukouras, is also being investigated.

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The three MPs had a deadline for the preparation of their testimony. They are accused of leadership and involvement in a criminal organization, for which Parliament took away their immunity. According to information, a protected witness has also testified against Germenis. According to him, the MP is "the leader" who plays a leading role in the selection and training of new entrants, as well as in actions against immigrants.

The testimony of another protected witness against Boukouras is similar. He claims that he is involved in a gang for the "protection" of restaurants in Corinth, Xilokastro and Kiato.

Witnesses defined the third accused, Iliopoulos, as a senior party member with a key role in the organization.

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In a statement, Iliopoulos denied that Golden Dawn was a criminal organization, as well as the existence of assault groups. He also argued that there is no information implicating that he has been involved in illegal activities. Iliopoulos added that justice cannot assess political opinions and ideologies of parties. According to him, "Justice exposes or needs to expose criminal activities affecting legitimate goods, which are of great social importance. Therefore, it is inconceivable, unconstitutional and undemocratic when justice gets involved in political/partisan struggles and in this way substitutes the will of people with ordinances of the corrupt political power."

Efstathios Boukouras follows a different line. He stated categorically that he was innocent and asked to be released without warranty. He also denied any racist ideology, arguing that his company employs immigrants. He claimed that he had supported Golden Dawn since 2012 (formerly a member of PASOK). In parallel, he explained that he had become a supporter of Golden Dawn when it became a political party and specifically "when there were no political ideological lines following Hitler’s pattern."

Boukouras stressed that he had not undergone military training and denied accusations that his position in the party enabled him to give orders in Corinthia. He said that he had been given a bad name within the campaign against Golden Dawn because he was a member of the party.

Flags, declarations and an invitation

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A few supporters of Golden Dawn waving Greek flags have gathered in front of the Supreme Court since this morning. MPs Eleni Zaroula, Ilias Panaiotaros, Konstantinos Barbarousis and Ilias Kasidiaris are also there. Kasidiaris told reporters that real terrorists are still free.

Panagiotis Iliopoulos expressed his belief that all charges would be rebutted without even going to court. He said: "We will fight for the Greeks and for our country no matter if we are in parliament or in Korydallos prison" and stressed that "Golden Dawn is a family; do not try to tear us apart."

Spiros Germenis, father of MP George Germenis, also made a statement. He said that allegations against his son were "lies" and called protected witnesses "pseudo witnesses." According to him, his son has not killed even a chicken for 35 years.

Supporters of Golden Dawn were invited to gather in front of the Supreme Court at 3 p.m. in order to support the MPs. A little earlier, around 1 p.m., a strange event attracted the attention - thick smoke was coming out of the roof of the adjacent building of refugees on Alexandras Avenue. Two fire engines rushed to extinguish the fire and fire-fighters took out two people from the balcony of the building.