Greek far-right party teaches history to kids

ATHENS, Greece - The Associated Press

Leader of the extreme-right Golden Dawn party Nikolaos Mihaloliakos delivers a speech during a gathering in Athens February 2, 2013. REUTERS/Yorgos Karahalis

Greece’s extreme right-wing Golden Dawn party has defended its decision to give Greek history lessons to primary school children at one of its offices.

The government and mainstream parties have condemned the practice by Golden Dawn, which rejects the neo-Nazi label but is fond of Nazi literature and references. It also has often been accused of attacks on immigrants.

The lessons began last week with children whose parents accepted an invitation at a party office in a small town near Athens. But the party said in a statement Wednesday that it will continue "national awakening" courses for its "little friends."

The education ministry said no party has the right to "manipulate" children. The main opposition radical leftist Syriza party accused Golden Dawn of "brainwashing little tots with Nazi propaganda."