The unprecedented action taken by the Public Prosecutor in instituting an action against the publishers of “Makedonika Nea” for disseminating anti-Semitism through the medium of their paper has aroused considerable sensation far beyond the limits of Greece. A government action of such a nature is unique, not only in Greece but hardly known in any other country in the world. Even more surprising in this particular instance was that the action was brought while M. Tsaldaris was prime minister, although the actual owner of “Makedonika Nea” was a member of his own government, namely, the Minister for War.
The trial developed, however, beyond the limits foreseen even by the Public Prosecutor himself, and it is not impossible that the change in the Government which occurred since the action was brought until the trial was actually heard contributed to this. The Public Prosecutor, in his charge, while the Tsaldarist government was still in power, in lodging the action, did not demand any punishment for the publishers, but desired only that an injunction should be issued against them preventing them from disseminating anti-Semitism in the future.
He wished, the Public Prosecutor declared, to prove simply that the Jews, like all other citizens, would be given protection by the law, and to give a warning to those, who, like the directors of “Makedonika Nea.” seemed to be in ignorance of this. The Court, however, was of the opinion that a sentence would be the most efficacious warning, and sentenced M. Missolonghittis, who had declared that he alone was responsible for the article in question, to one month’s imprisonment and costs, or a fine of 1,200 drachmes.
Various Jewish witnesses testified that the campaign of the “Makedonika Nea” was calculated to stir up elements against the Jews and provoke anti-Semitic outbursts. An ingenious piece of evidence was given by one M. Velonis, a witness for the defense. Turning to the Bible, which was placed before him for the purpose of the oath, he exclaimed: “This Bible prophesies that the Jews will return to the land of Canaan. Whether they wish it or not, with or without their consent, God will compel them to return. The Jewish people will be condemned to disappear if they do not work for the reconstruction of their national home in Palestine. M. Louvaris and M. Missolonghittis are instruments in the hands of God. Their attacks are helping forward the divine purpose of sending the Jews back to
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