Greek MPs vote to suspend state funding for political parties

Lawmakers in Greece are to vote on a proposal to suspend state funding for political parties accused of criminal activities, a measure targeting the Nazi-inspired Golden Dawn group.

The draft law should be approved late on Tuesday as it is backed by the conservative-led governing coalition, the main opposition and a small left-wing party – representing 241 of Parliament’s 300 seats.

It allows an indefinite funding freeze for parties whose leadership is charged with involvement in a criminal group, or terrorism.

Golden Dawn is under a criminal investigation after last month’s fatal stabbing of an anti-fascist singer, blamed on a party volunteer.

Its leader and two lawmakers have been jailed in pre-trial custody as alleged members of a criminal organisation.

The party says it is being persecuted for its beliefs.