Evagoras Pallikarides, A symbol of the struggle

possessing and carrying a gun and 88 bullets and on 12 January he was taken to Nicosia Central Prison. The hearing was held on 14 February and the case referred for trial at the “Special Court” on 25 February. The trial was nothing more than summary proceedings. Pallikarides did not hesitate to plead guilty as charged and stated: “I am aware that the court will impose the death penalty. All I want to say is that what I did, I did as a Greek Cypriot, who desires only his freedom. Nothing more.” This statement of his left his counsel no room to mount a defence. The judge announced his ruling, saying: “The law provides for only one sentence: the death penalty. I therefore sentence you to death”. In the sixteen days that followed until his execution, Pallikarides impressed everyone with his resignation and his unwavering faith in the cause for which he had given his life. Also impressive was the moral strength with which he assured his family and fellow prisoners “When I die I will go up to God and ask Him that I may be the last man to be hanged”. His proud life led him to the gallows at the age of only 19. He was the youngest of the nine men who were hanged in the course of the struggle. His conviction and execution caused an international uproar and condemnation of the British colonial powers. This led to the quashing of the death sentences of another 26 men who had been sentenced to be hanged. The life and death of Evagoras Pallikarides made him a symbol and a role model for the youth of Cyprus during the remaining years of the EOKA struggle for independence, and his name continues to this day to inspire writers of poetry and prose. His death deprived the Greek nation of a man of ideals and true love for his country, an inspired leader and a future poet.