Golden Dawn MP Artemis Mattheopoulos, who appeared before judicial authorities on Monday morning, will be remanded in custody, following a decision by the examining magistrates and the prosecutor assigned to the Golden Dawn case.

According to sources, the examining magistrates and the prosecutor found that the deputy should be sent to prison as if he was released he would be able to continue his criminal activities, since apart from an MP he is also member of the Political Council. According to the magistrates, Mattheopoulos is part of the party’s inner leading group and encourages and propagandizes its criminal activities in every possible way.

The deputy, charged with participating and leading a criminal group, submitted a written statement to the magistrates and according to sources, he denied the charges. He claimed he is not involved in illegal activities and referred to a political persecution against Golden Dawn. Moreover, he refused to answer to the investigation authorities’ questions.