Newly Released Video Details Final Moments of Fanouris Kargakis Before Vorizia Massacre Execution
Heraklion, Crete – A newly released video depicts the final movements of Fanouris Kargakis moments before his execution during the november 1944 Vorizia massacre on Crete. The footage, surfacing now, offers a chilling glimpse into the events preceding the deaths of 111 civilians carried out by Nazi forces in retaliation for partisan activity.
The Vorizia massacre remains a deeply traumatic event in Cretan history, representing one of the most brutal acts of reprisal during the German occupation of Greece.This video’s emergence, over seven decades later, provides a stark visual record for future generations and perhaps aids ongoing past research. The release comes as Crete prepares to commemorate the anniversary of the massacre, renewing calls for remembrance and reconciliation.
The video shows Kargakis, a resident of Vorizia, walking near the village square shortly before the German soldiers rounded up and executed the civilians. Details gleaned from historical accounts confirm Kargakis was among those targeted due to the village’s support of the Cretan resistance. The footage, though brief, captures his seemingly unaware demeanor, highlighting the suddenness and brutality of the attack.
On November 20, 1944, German forces, specifically members of the 227th Infantry Division, encircled Vorizia. After gathering the male population,they separated those deemed to be involved with the resistance. Kargakis, along with 110 other civilians - men and boys – were then executed by machine gun fire. The massacre was a direct response to an ambush by Cretan partisans against a German patrol near the village.
The release of this video is expected to reignite discussions surrounding the atrocities committed during the occupation and the importance of preserving the memory of those lost.Researchers and historians are analyzing the footage for further insights into the events of that day,hoping to corroborate existing accounts and potentially uncover new details about the victims and perpetrators. The video is available for viewing through various online news platforms and historical archives.
