Mass Grave Discovery in Thessaloniki Reveals Civil War Atrocities

During renovation works near the Monument of National Resistance in Thessaloniki, Greece, construction crews uncovered at least 33 skeletons in mass graves, believed to be victims of executions during or after the Greek Civil War (1946–1949). The graves were found near the former Genti Koule (Yedi Kule) prison, notorious for incarcerating and executing political prisoners, particularly leftists. Forensic analysis revealed the remains included young men and at least one woman, with evidence of gunshot wounds to the skulls. The discovery has prompted relatives of missing civil war-era prisoners to seek DNA testing for identification, and local officials are compiling lists of interested families. Historians and the Greek Communist Party estimate that as many as 400 executed individuals could be buried in the area, highlighting the brutal legacy of the era. The municipality and local activists have pledged to establish a permanent memorial to honor the victims and assist in returning identified remains to families.