Posted on 07/24/2003 6:39:25 AM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
A beekeeper accused of being the chief assassin for Greece's deadliest terrorist organization told a court Thursday that he was proud of the group's legacy because "it targeted symbols of imperialism," raising cheers from his supporters in the room.
Dimitris Koufodinas, 45, has admitted belonging to the November 17 terror group. The militant group attacked American and British military personnel, Western diplomats and Greek industrialists, eluding police for decades before being exposed after a bungled bombing attempt last year.
"They describe the actions of November 17 as terrorism. No, it targeted symbols of imperialism ... and we are proud of it," Koufodinas told the court.
Koufodinas is accused of participating in 17 of the group's 23 murders since 1975, including the 2000 killing of British military attache Brig. Stephen Saunders. He and 18 other alleged group members are being tried inside a maximum security prison in Athens.
Koufodinas refused to provide any details of November 17's activities, claiming the court did not have the authority to try him.
"I refuse to cooperate and help you try a revolutionary organization as criminals," he said.
"I am a member of November 17. I assume political responsibility for its actions ... Most of its actions were anti-imperialist and anti-American."
Koufodinas was applauded and cheered by supporters in the prison courtroom sitting next to relatives of November 17's victims.
"To the families of those who became a target — unfairly according to them, but rightly according to the organization — history will judge us," he said.
Presiding Judge Michalis Margaritis ordered a brief recess after Koufodinas wept while reading a poem by a Greek writer. Several supporters were not allowed to return after the recess.
November 17 was named after the date of a student-led uprising in 1973, which helped topple the military dictatorship that had received some American assistance. Its first victim was Richard Welch, the CIA station chief in Athens in 1975.
The group also is suspected in more than 100 bombings and armed robberies.
The trial of the 19 defendants began in March and is scheduled to end in October.
In EU countries you have to commit really spectacular crimes and deeply alienate the judiciary in order to serve more than 15 years in prison for any offense.
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