Justice Minister Nikos Paraskevopoulos on Wednesday cited understaffing in the judicial sector as one reason why an eagerly anticipated trial for several far right Golden Dawn deputies may be delayed.

“This delay may result in the release of the deputies, when the maximum period for holding someone without trial expires,” he added.

It should be noted that prosecutors handling the Golden Dawn case recommended on Monday that party leader Nikos Mihaloliakos and GD deputy Christos Pappas be released on March 29, when the 18-month period for maximum pre-trial detention ends.

Michaloliakos and Pappas face charges of leading and participating in a criminal organization, in connection with Golden Dawn’s alleged felonies.

His commments came during an interview by the private Athens radio station Vima FM.