A Greek journalist and politician who played a key role in the country's resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II, and is known for tearing down the Nazi flag from the Acropolis in 1941.
Manolis Glezos is a name etched in the annals of Greek history for his daring act of defiance against the Nazi occupation during World War II. On May 30, 1941, Glezos, along with his comrade Lakis Santas, famously removed the swastika flag from the Acropolis, sending a powerful message of resistance to the Axis powers.
Born on September 9, 1922, in the village of Apiranthos, Naxos, Glezos grew up in a family of modest means. He moved to Athens in 1935, where he completed high school and worked as a pharmacy employee. It was during his high school years that he became involved in anti-fascist movements, participating in the creation of an anti-fascist youth group against the Italian occupation of the Dodecanese and the dictatorship of Ioannis Metaxas.
During World War II, Glezos volunteered to join the Greek army in the Albanian front against Italy, but was rejected due to his age. Undeterred, he continued to work as a volunteer for the Hellenic Ministry of Health. In 1941, he joined the Greek Resistance, participating in various acts of sabotage and guerrilla warfare against the Nazi occupation.
It was during this time that Glezos and Santas executed their daring plan to remove the swastika flag from the Acropolis. The symbolic act of defiance was a beacon of hope for the Greek people, who were suffering under the brutal occupation.
After the war, Glezos continued to be a vocal advocate for left-wing politics and social justice. He was sentenced to death three times for his political beliefs, but was eventually released in 1971. He became a prominent figure in Greek politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for various left-wing parties.
In 2014, at the age of 91, Glezos became a Member of the European Parliament for Syriza, making him the oldest-ever member of the European Parliament. He was also the most voted-for candidate in Greece.
Glezos was an award-winning journalist and editor, having worked as the head editor and editor for the left-wing newspapers Rizospastis and I Avgi, which are still popular today. He also published six books, cementing his reputation as a versatile and accomplished writer.
Manolis Glezos' remarkable life serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to social justice, democracy, and the welfare of the Greek people. His defiance in the face of Nazi occupation, his tireless activism, and his literary pursuits have left an indelible mark on Greek history, inspiring generations to come.
As a writer, politician, and hero, Manolis Glezos will forever be remembered as a beacon of hope and courage in the face of adversity.
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