Nikos Michaloliakos, the notorious leader of the Greek neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn, has been granted early release from prison, igniting widespread condemnation. The 67-year-old far-right politician, known for his admiration of Nazism and Holocaust denial, was permitted to serve the remainder of his 13-year sentence under house arrest due to health concerns, as reported by state media on Friday. Michaloliakos had been convicted in 2020 for orchestrating a series of violent attacks on immigrants and political opponents carried out by Golden Dawn supporters. This marks the second time he has been released early; a previous attempt in May 2024 was revoked after he failed to demonstrate satisfactory behavior. Golden Dawn, which Michaloliakos founded and led, was declared a criminal organization linked to the murder of an anti-fascist musician and attempted murders of Egyptian fishermen and communist activists. The party gained significant traction during Greece’s financial crisis, securing third place in the 2012 elections with its anti-immigrant and nationalist rhetoric. Despite officially denying its neo-Nazi identity, Golden Dawn adopted Nazi-inspired symbols and ideologies. Michaloliakos and former party MPs were convicted of leading or participating in the criminal group. The decision to release him has drawn sharp criticism from left-wing parties, with Greece’s New Left party calling it a ‘serious blow to the collective memory and the struggle for democracy and justice.’ The communist party KKE has demanded the decision be overturned, emphasizing that Golden Dawn’s crimes remain unforgotten by the public and younger generations.