Golden Dawn secretary general Nikos Mihaloliakos and deputy Yiannis Lagos, who have been remanded in custody for the last 18 months awaiting trial, will be released from Korydallos prison, possibly within the day on Friday.

The two far-right politicians have been in custody since September 2013 on felony charges of leading and participating into a criminal organization, in connection with Golden Dawn’s alleged felonies.

Their release was ordered by the Appeals Court Justices’ Council, due to the expiration of the 18-month period for maximum pre-trial detention. About two weeks ago, Justice Minister Nikos Paraskevopoulos cited understaffing in the court system as one reason why the eagerly anticipated trial for several far right Golden Dawn deputies has been delayed.

According to the council’s ruling, Mihaloliakos will be placed under house arrest, as he faces charges related to weapons offenses. However, the GD leader will be able to attend Parliament’s proceedings.

Lagos will be banned from leaving the country and attending public gatherings. He will also be required to report to a police station twice a month.