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Today in History: Greek Student Kostas Georgakis Self-Immolates Against Papadopoulos Junta

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 10:35 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On 19 September 1970, Greek geology student Kostas Georgakis set himself ablaze in Genoa’s Matteotti Square, protesting the dictatorial regime of Georgios Papadopoulos in Greece. After denouncing the junta in a July interview and facing threats to his family, his self-immolation inspired memorials in Genoa and his native Corfu.

1 of 1

Story summary

On 19 September 1970, Greek geology student Kostas Georgakis set himself ablaze in Genoa’s Matteotti Square, protesting the dictatorial regime of Georgios Papadopoulos in Greece. After denouncing the junta in a July interview and facing threats to his family, his self-immolation inspired memorials in Genoa and his native Corfu.