September 18 marks the 13th anniversary of the murder of Pavlos Fyssas, an event that marked a turning point in the Golden Dawn case. This year’s anniversary comes against the backdrop of the release of Ilias Kasidiaris just three days before the commemoration, so police are increasing security in Keratsini and Nikea.
The main memorial event will take place on Friday September 18 at 17:30at the monument to Pavlos Fyssas at st. Pavlos Fyssas 60, Amphiali. After this, a procession is planned towards the Mantra Block of Kokkinia, ending at the Nikaia metro station. The Anti-Fascist September program runs from September 14 to 18. Detailed schedule published ERTnews.
— September 18th turns 13 years since the murder of Pavlos Fyssas;
— the main memory campaign will begin at 17:30 in Keratsini;
– With 14:00 phased traffic restrictions are introduced in Nicaea and Keracini;
— the police will use increased forces, drones and a helicopter;
— this year the measures are further strengthened due to the liberation Ilyas Kasidiaris September 15.
The murder that changed Greek political history
Pavlos Fyssas, musician and anti-fascist activist, was killed in Keratsini at night September 18, 2013. Giorgos Rupakias, a member of the Golden Dawn, was convicted of murder.
It was this crime that became one of the central episodes of a large-scale criminal case against Golden Dawn. In March 2026, the Five-Member Court of Criminal Appeal confirmed the guilt of all 42 defendantsconsidered in the second instance, including the recognition of Golden Dawn as a criminal organization operating under the guise of a political party. Rupakias was again found guilty of the premeditated murder of Fyssas. Details of the decision have been published ERTnews.
Kasidiaris came out three days before the anniversary
The liberation gives special tension to this anniversary. Ilyas Kasidiaris. He was released from Domokos prison September 15after serving his sentence in the Golden Dawn case. Thus, only three days passed between his release and the anniversary of Fyssas’ murder.
Kasidiaris was previously found guilty of leading a criminal organization. After his release, he reiterated his intention to return to politics. At the same time, the issue of his possible participation in the next elections remains legally complex: the current electoral legislation and the decisions of the Areopagus may become an obstacle to his direct or actual leadership of the political formation.
It was the combination of two events – the release of Kasidiaris and the anniversary of the murder of Fyssas – that became one of the reasons for the increased police alert. News247 reports that this year’s measures will be roughly comparable to previous anniversaries, but The level of alert has been raised precisely because of the release of Kasidiaris.
Drones, helicopter and enhanced outfits
ΕΛ.ΑΣ. plans constant monitoring of the event area. Imagery from drones and a police helicopter will be transmitted directly to the operations center, and an increased police presence is expected in Nikea and Keracini.
The main task of the police is to separate groups of participants, prevent possible clashes and ensure that the procession takes place without serious incidents.
Which roads will be blocked?
According to the official message Ελληνική Αστυνομίαrestrictions will begin to be introduced September 18 from 14:00 gradually, depending on the situation.
In particular, the restrictions will affect:
- Salaminos Avenue – from Grigoriou Lambraki Avenue to st. Akropoleos;
- P. Rally Avenue – in the area between Akropoleos and Zavella;
- as well as the adjacent streets in Nikea and Keratsini as the procession progresses.
Drivers should avoid the area from mid-afternoon and take into account possible changes in public transport routes.
Why is this anniversary particularly sensitive?
This year several factors coincided. Firstly, just six months ago, the appeal court finally confirmed the guilt of all 42 defendants in the second instance in the Golden Dawn case. Secondly, almost simultaneously with the anniversary, Kasidiaris was released and again declares his political plans.
Therefore, September 18 becomes not only a memorable date, but also a kind of test of how calmly the public return of this topic will take place in the political life of the country.
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