Greece has reached an agreement to acquire 12 rare World War II photographs documenting the 1944 Kaisariani Massacre, where Nazi forces executed 200 Greek political prisoners. The images, which caused controversy when listed for auction on eBay by Belgian collector Tim de Craene, show the final moments of communist prisoners before their execution in an Athens suburb.

The photographs were part of a collection of 262 images taken by Hermann Heuer, a Wehrmacht lieutenant stationed in occupied Greece. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni described them as "extremely important documents of modern Greek history" after experts verified their authenticity. The images had previously received bids exceeding £1,500 before being removed from the auction site amid public outcry.

This acquisition represents a significant moment in preserving historical memory, as these are the only known photographs documenting the atrocity. Several victims have already been identified, adding personal dimensions to the historical record. The deal comes after a commemorative plaque at the massacre site was vandalized, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding this dark chapter of Greece's past.