19.07.2026 12:50
During a live broadcast on state television ERT, which was also attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek political scientist Thanasis Diamantopoulos confessed, 'We committed genocide in Anatolia.' Diamantopoulos stated that the crimes committed by the Greek army in Anatolia should be officially recognized and called on the Greek state to confront its past.
On the live broadcast of France's July 14 National Day celebrations by Greek state television ERT, Greek political scientist Thanasis Diamantopoulos cited France's confrontation with its past crimes as an example and called on Greece to do the same.
"FRANCE FACED ITS CRIMES"
Referring to France's official stance on past events, Diamantopoulos stated: "France officially acknowledged the crime of drowning 80 Algerian Arabs who sought their country's independence in the Seine River. From this, we understand that a mature society can also see its own crimes."
"WHEN WILL GREECE RECOGNIZE THESE CRIMES?"
Arguing that Greece should also confront past events following France's example, Diamantopoulos referenced Article 59 of the Treaty of Lausanne and made the following assessment:
"Allow me to ask this question: When will the Greek state officially recognize the crimes committed by the Greek army in Anatolia, in line with the facts already included in Article 59 of the Treaty of Lausanne?"
HIGHLIGHTED CRIMES DURING THE OCCUPATION PERIOD
The Greek political scientist argued that the Greek army committed severe violations in Anatolia during the years of the National Struggle. Diamantopoulos claimed that crimes such as torture and sexual assault against Turks were committed during the occupation period and stated that the Greek state should officially confront these events.
CALL FOR CONFRONTATION TO THE GREEK STATE
In his live broadcast remarks, Diamantopoulos expressed that acknowledging past events is a sign of societal maturity and said that Greece should also face its history and officially recognize the events in Anatolia.