The Greek government has taken swift action concerning a sensitive issue involving historical photographs documenting the mass execution of Greek communists during World War II. A Belgian collector, Tim De Krene, specializing in memorabilia from Nazi Germany, had originally listed these photographs on eBay, raising concerns over their potential sale. The images, part of a personal archive from a German Wehrmacht officer, detail an execution event that occurred in May 1944, where approximately 200 Greek communists were executed.

In response to the outcry, Greece's Ministry of Culture dispatched a team of experts to Belgium to authenticate the photographs and negotiate their purchase. During this visit, the parties reached a provisional agreement that includes the removal of the photographs from online auction platforms and their sale to Greece. The negotiations highlight Greece's commitment to preserving historical memory and addressing the sensitive nature of its past regarding political repression during the occupation.

As reported by the Greek newspaper, Protothema, the anticipated acquisition price for the photographs is €100,000. However, the Ministry of Culture has yet to officially confirm this figure. The urgency of the situation underlines the significance of these images in the context of Greek history and the varying reactions they generate among the public and the government, reflecting ongoing debates about memory, trauma, and historical responsibility.