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

Genocide mentioned in Victorian Parliament

The movement for the recognition of the Genocide of the Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks has gained momentum in Victorian Parliament this week.

Evzones to lead ANZAC tributes and cultural celebrations in Adelaide and Sydney

The Evzones will visit Australia from 23 April to 4 May 2025, participating in Anzac Day and a series of cultural events.

Consent education safe as Chanel Contos responds to Dutton’s ‘indoctrination’ pledge

Peter Dutton has pledged a Coalition government would review the national school curriculum to eliminate “indoctrination.”

Alexia Apostolakis joins Matildas as train-on player

Melbourne City defender, Alexia Apostolakis, has been called into the Matildas squad as a train-on player ahead of the upcoming friendlies.

Rugby chief Peter V’landys addresses speculation about his future

Peter V’landys, chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission and CEO of Racing NSW, has addressed speculation about his future.

You May Also Like

US President-elect Joe Biden thanks Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for congratulatory letter

US President-elect, Joe Biden, has sent an official letter of thanks to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Saturday.

Greeks angered by North Macedonia’s national soccer jersey in Euro 2020

Greece has sent a letter of complaint to the UEFA over the name used by North Macedonia on their national soccer jersey during Euro 2020.

Sydney beaches face summer closures if large crowds threaten public safety

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos said this year would hold a different summer, with the pandemic continuing to pose harsh challenges.