ATHENS (AFP)---A militant Greek neo-Nazi went on trial on Monday over his book denying the Holocaust took place and calling Jewish people "subhuman."

The trial, the first of its kind in Greece, saw a group of neo-Nazis making Hitler salutes in the corridors of the courthouse, putting up "Fans of Hitler" posters and handing out anti-Semitic leaflets.

Dozens of members of the Jewish community were also present, responding to a call from the Central Jewish Council of Greece (KIS). 

Konstantinos Plevris is charged with inciting hatred and racial violence with his 1,400-page 2006 book, "Jews: The Whole Truth" in which he says Jews are "mortal enemies" and deserve "the firing squad."

"I have obviously pleaded innocent, and am counter-attacking because the Jews committed crimes against my homeland," Plevris told AFP.

The KIS sees the trial as a key test of the authorities’ determination to deal with anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial. The trial was set to continue Tuesday.