Cretans executed by Nazis identified 83 years later through DNA

·

Eighteen civilians executed by the Nazis on Crete during World War II have been identified 83 years later through DNA analysis conducted by the Comparative Genomics Lab at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH).

According to ekathimerini, in an article of Tassoula Karaiskaki, it is mentioned that the 18 male victims, aged 16-60 from the village of Adele, were executed on June 2, 1941 after the Battle of Crete by soldiers of the Third Reich on the orders of the German paratrooper commander General Kurt Student.

The research director of the project, Nikos Poulakakis, told Kathimerini that the Nazis gave the victims shovels, and their families believed they were being taken to a concentration camp or forced labor, but they were taken to the area of Sarakina and forced to dig their own mass grave.

Their relatives found their remains several days later and moved them to another grave. In 1960 the remains were exhumed but they could not be individually identified.

Source: ekathimerini

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Historic ties remembered as Greece’s Evzones march in Adelaide’s ANZAC Day parade

During a Dawn Service at West Torrens on Friday, April 25, the Evzones stood guard alongside Australian army battalion in remembrance.

Greek glamour meets Aussie pop: Inside the colourful universe of Stavroula Adameitis

Adelaide-born designer Stavroula Adameitis is a creator of bespoke pieces that she describes as ‘wearable art.’

Melbourne seminar to focus on the odyssey of Michel ‘Pablo’ Raptis

Michel Pablo was a twentieth century revolutionary whose life and ideas remain relevant and inspirational until today.

Lawyer Greg Masselos warns NSW workers’ comp changes could devastate frontline workers

Greg Masselos has warned that proposed changes by the NSW government to raise the threshold for claims could have devastating consequences.

Niki Louca shares how to make Focaccia Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for pita bread with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram.

You May Also Like

The Greek Community of Melbourne announces Greek Community Cup

The Greek Community of Melbourne has announced the Greek Community Cup football tournament will begin on January 15 at Mill Park Soccer Club.

Chief Justice Chris Kourakis leads charge for SA lawyers to undergo compulsory anti-bullying training

Chief Justice Chris Kourakis has made it loud and clear that enough is enough with mandatory anti-bullying and sexual harassment training to be conducted...

Cooking with Greek food bloggers: Aginares me Araka Lathero

Mary Politis from Mary's Kouzina is sharing her recipe for Aginares me Araka Lathero (Artichokes with peas cooked in Olive Oil).