Kemal Okugyan, Secretary General of the Communist Party of Turkey, pays tribute to the 200 at Kesariani shooting range.
To the leadership of the KKE
Dear comrades,
We are deeply moved by the photographs documenting a defining moment in the history of your Party and in our shared history as communists. The former shooting range at Kaisariani, previously visited by our Party delegation led by TKP General Secretary Kemal Okuyan, has firmly secured its place in our party’s memory through these newly revealed and powerful images.
Our 200 comrades, who faced death upright and with pride, look at us from that historic frame with calm determination. In their expressions we see the uncompromising stance of communists against fascism and exploitation. The image is striking not because of drama, but because of its clarity and dignity.
These brave sons of the working people of Greece are a source of pride for communists everywhere. They did not yield the moral ground to the occupying fascist forces. They showed, through their conduct, what it truly means to defend one’s country with resolve, honor, and loyalty to the working people.
At a time when working people are facing serious and sustained attacks across the world, the reappearance of these photographs, bearing witness to the final moments of these principled militants, has renewed confidence in struggle and in those who refuse to bow.
The photographs capturing the last moments of the communist militants who fell at Kaisariani on May 1, 1944, are a historic legacy. They should return to where they belong: to their Party, the Communist Party of Greece, and to the Greek people.
Down with fascism! Down with capitalism!
Long live communism! Long live KKE!
Communist Party of Turkey
Central Committee