Police forces in Greece arrested the leader and senior members of the Golden Dawn party on Saturday following the killing of an anti-fascist rap artist, Reuters reported.
Golden Dawn leader Nikolaos Mihaloliakos, spokesman Ilias Kassidiaris, two lawmakers, and ten members were detained by authorities on charges of establishing a criminal organization and are due to for arraignment next week.
Authorities also confiscated two guns and a hunting rifle from Mihaloliakos, which they say were obtained without a license.
The third most popular party in Greece is being investigated in the death of Pavlos Fissas, who died after suffering stab wounds by a party supporter. Golden Dawn denies responsiblity for his death.
"Shame on them, the people will lift Golden Dawn higher," said Ilias Panagiotaros, Golden Dawn lawmaker.
Golden Dawn includes 18 of parliament's 300 legislators and received 14 percent of voter support in polls prior to the stabbing. However, a poll conducted this week showed a decline in support at 6.7 percent.
The party's website asked supports to protest in solidarity with Mihaloliakos, and hundreds of supporters traveled to the police headquarters raising Greek flags and chanting slogans.
The Greek government has yet to place a formal ban on the party in fear of an even larger buildup of support as frustration grows among citizens over the economy. However, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has threatened to end state funding to Golden Dawn.
Justice Minister Haralambos Athanassiou said all members arrested would receive a fair trial.
While resident Dimitra Vassilopoulou commends authorities on the arrests, she isn't convinced it will put an end to the party problems troubling Greece.
"It's good that they arrested them, but I'm afraid that we will start killing each other now," said Vassilopoulou.
"Does the government actually mean it or is it just a tactic to impress us? Why didn't they do anything when the immigrants were killed? How come they just discovered that Golden Dawn is a criminal organisation?"
