Aris Velouchiotis Greek revolutionary Date of Birth: 27.08.1905 Country: Greece

1. Biography of Aris Velouchiotis
2. Leader of the National Liberation Army
3. The Battle of Artas
4. A Monument of Controversy
5. Rehabilitation by the Communist Party

Biography of Aris Velouchiotis

Aris Velouchiotis was a Greek revolutionary and a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Greece. He was the commander-in-chief of the National Liberation Army of Greece - ELAS and played a prominent role in the Greek resistance during World War II.

Leader of the National Liberation Army

Aris Velouchiotis stood at the forefront and led the National Liberation Army of Greece from 1942 to 1944. However, he disagreed with the decision of the Communist Party to cease military actions against the British army in December 1944. As a result, he found himself politically isolated.

The Battle of Artas

In June 1945, Aris Velouchiotis and his small group of fighters were surrounded by government forces in the mountains near Artas and were ultimately defeated. The heads of Aris and his adjutant Tzavelas were severed by members of irregular right-wing formations and displayed in the central square of the city of Trikala.

A Monument of Controversy

Aris Velouchiotis is commemorated with a mounted statue, which is the only one of its kind in the country, standing in one of the central squares of his hometown, Lamia. Due to political reasons, his monument has generated controversy and debate.

Rehabilitation by the Communist Party

After being condemned and expelled from the party by Nikos Zachariadis, Aris Velouchiotis was later rehabilitated by the Communist Party. His contributions and sacrifices for the Greek resistance were recognized, and he was reinstated as a respected figure within the party.