Neo-Nazi Golden Dawn leader released from prison early

Nikos Michaloliakos, the leader of the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party in Greece, has been released from prison earlier than expected. Michaloliakos, 67, was sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2020 for running a criminal organization. He will now be allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence from home. The Golden Dawn party, known for its fascist ideology and violent tactics, gained significant political support in Greece during the country's financial crisis. Michaloliakos, a known supporter of Hitler, frequently gave Nazi salutes at the party's rallies. The decision to release Michaloliakos early has sparked controversy, with human rights groups and anti-fascist activists criticizing the move. They argue that it undermines the fight against far-right extremism and sends a concerning message about the treatment of high-profile criminal offenders. The news article highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing the rise of neo-Nazi and far-right movements in Europe, and the potential consequences of lenient sentencing for their leaders.