Acclaimed Greek Novelist Vassilis Vassilikos Dies at 89

Author of the Political Book 'Z', Which Became a Symbol of Resistance and Inspired an Academy Award-Winning Film, Passes Away in Athens

Vassilis Vassilikos, renowned Greek novelist and author of the political book 'Z', passed away at the age of 89 in Athens.
'Z', published in 1966, was based on the murder of a left-leaning Greek member of Parliament by right-wingers in 1963 and was banned in Greece by the right-wing dictatorship that ruled from 1967-74.
The book quickly became a symbol of resistance against the regime and inspired an Academy Award-winning film of the same name in 1969.
Vassilikos, born in 1934, was exiled by the military regime in 1967 and lived in Italy and France. He served as a member of Greece’s Parliament with the left-wing Syriza party from July 2019 to May 2023.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni praised Vassilikos' narrative skills and understanding of Greek society, describing him as a political author who used his writing skills to serve his beliefs.