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Spartiates: Appeals Court Acquits Defendants of Voter Fraud

Published February 10, 2026, 17:20
Spartiates: Appeals Court Acquits Defendants of Voter Fraud

The Athens Court of Appeals unanimously acquitted the 13 defendants in the case of the “Spartiates” party for voter fraud. The decision upholds the acquittal of the first instance court and was based on the prosecutor's recommendation that voter fraud was not proven. Among those acquitted are 11 current and former members of parliament, Ilias Kasidiaris, and their co-defendant lawyer. The case began after statements by Vassilis Stigas, leader of the “Spartiates”, regarding the existence of an “invisible leadership” and “mafia-style methods” within the party, with Mr. Kasidiaris being named as a leading figure. In court, Mr. Stigas initially testified about the controversial practices but later retracted his testimony, claiming he had spoken under the influence of turmoil due to the absence of party members of parliament during a plenary session. The Court of Appeal’s decision marks the end of a legal dispute that sparked heated debate about the legality and internal workings of the “Spartiates” party.