Rapper's death sparks demos
September 25, 2013Wednesday's marches across Greece marked exactly one week since the death of anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas, who penned anti-fascist raps under the stage name Killah P. In Athens, thousands of protesters gathered outside of the Greek parliament building before beginning a march on the headquarters of the Golden Dawn political party.
The march remained mostly peaceful, although tear gas and stun grenades were used against a small group of protesters who began throwing rocks and bottles at police, who were standing near Golden Dawn's headquarters.
The man being held in connection with Fyssas's death admitted to the killing and also claimed to belong to Golden Dawn. The party has seen its popularity spike as Greece has dealt with its severe financial crisis and adopted severe austerity measures in order to receive international bailouts. The party polled 7 percent in the 2012 elections and currently holds 18 seats in Greece's 300-seat parliament.
Fyssas's death has prompted the government to take a closer look at Golden Dawn's activities. Party offices have been raided and party supporters thought to have taken part in attacks have been investigated. Golden Dawn is often linked to violent incidents in the country, especially when an immigrant is the target of an attack.
On Wednesday, Greece's Supreme Court heard from victims of alleged Golden Dawn attacks as part of the investigation into the party.
Golden Dawn's political leaders shun the label of neo-Nazis, but many Greeks see the description as fitting.
mz/lw (AP, Reuters, AFP)