All Golden Dawn MPs could lose Greece immunity Published duration 20 February 2014

image copyright Getty Images image caption Supporters of Golden Dawn protested earlier this month against the criminal charges facing party members

Greek investigating judges have asked for nine more MPs in the far-right Golden Dawn party to have their parliamentary immunity lifted to allow criminal charges to be laid.

If parliament backs the request, all 18 of the party's MPs would be accused of running a criminal organisation.

Nine are already facing charges and party leader Nikolaos Michaloliakos is one of six in jail pending trial.

Their arrests followed the killing of an anti-fascist musician.

The Golden Dawn MPs reacted angrily to news of the judges' request, Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported.

The judges also said additional charges should be laid against six of those already facing prosecution, including the party leader. Greek news agency ANA-MPA said the charges involved possession of firearms and ammunition with the aim to supply a criminal organisation.

A crackdown on the far-right party's activities began after musician Pavlos Fyssas, 34, was murdered last September. A party supporter was charged with voluntary manslaughter.

State funding for the party was withdrawn the following month.

Golden Dawn, seen by many as neo-Nazis, won 7% of the vote in the 2012 Greek elections and took up 18 seats in parliament.

The party denies being a neo-Nazi movement although its logo resembles the swastika.