2nd of September Achironas Liopetriou
In this article, the law firm G Kouzalis LLC will inform you about the heroic Battle of Achironas Liopetriou. Which occurred on 02 September 1958. On 02 September 1958, in the village of Liopetri, Cyprus. Also, a significant event took place during the EOKA (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston) struggle against British colonial rule. Further, we particularly remember this day for the “Battle of Liopetri”. Also, a heroic confrontation between four EOKA fighters and British forces.
The Battle of Liopetri (02 September 1958):
EOKA was a Greek Cypriot Patriot organization that fought to end British rule in Cyprus. Furthermore, unite the island with Greece. The British authorities were actively pursuing EOKA members, leading to frequent clashes.
On the night of September 1-2, 1958, four EOKA fighters — Andreas Karios, Elias Papakyriakou, Fotis Pittas, and Christos Samaras — sought refuge in a barn in Liopetri. A huge number of British forces, having received information about their location. Further, they surrounded the barn and demanded their surrender.
Despite being heavily outnumbered and armed only with basic weapons, the four fighters refused to surrender. A fierce battle ensued, lasting several hours, as the British forces attempted to break into the barn.
Machairas and Gregoris Afxentiou
The British already had similar bad experience in Machairas with Gregoris Afxentiou and they couldn’t afford to night to fall. The British forces could not enter the barn, and the 4 Greek Cypriot Patriots would not surrender to the number of troops who surrounded them. The barn was eventually set on fire after gasoline was thrown by the British army and the four EOKA fighters had no other option but to come out. They force themselves out chanting the Greek National hymn. Eventually British soldiers kill all four with dozens of bullets in their bodies. Their resistance and ultimate sacrifice became a symbol of the struggle for Cypriot independence. Also, Cypriots ceremone this day annually in Cyprus.
The Battle of Liopetri is a key event in the history of the Cypriot independence movement. The barn where the fighters made their last stand has been preserved as a memorial, and the village of Liopetri holds a special place in the collective memory of the EOKA struggle.
Sacrifice for Freedom in Achironas Liopetriou
We remember this event with ceremonies and tributes, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the young men who fought for their country’s freedom. (It is important to state that EOKA never attacked British civilians during our struggle)
If you would like more information about the Battle of Liopetri, please do not hesitate to contact us, your lawyers in Cyprus, at G KOUZALIS LLC, lawfirm@cytanet.com.cy, or by phone at 00 357 23811788.
The above is not legal advice and is provided for information only. We accept no liability arising to any person for any loss or damage suffered through using this information.