Greek authorities declare 12 photos of 1944 communist resistance fighters, sold by a Belgian collector, as national heritage.
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Twelve photographs depicting the final moments of 200 communist resistance fighters executed at Kaisariani in 1944, which were listed for sale by a Belgian collector, have caused significant emotion in Greece. Athens has declared these photos national heritage and intends to reclaim them. Greek officials deemed the photos authentic and stated they belong in a national collection, not on private markets. The Greek Ministry of Culture classified the images as national heritage due to their unique historical value, allowing the Greek state to acquire them. The photographs, in black and white, show groups of men walking and then lined up before the firing squad at Kaisariani, where the massacre occurred as retaliation for an assassination. The incident reignited the debate over the memory of the Nazi occupation in Greece. Following public outcry, the Belgian collector withdrew the photos from sale and offered them to Greek authorities.
