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Executions
in Greece
Criticised
LONDON, May 9 (A.A.P.).
Reuters correspondent
in Athens says M. Michael
Ailianos, Greek Minister
for Information, com
menting on criticism of
the executions of Com
munists in Greece, said
it was unjust to pretend
that the recent executions
in Greece resembled those
which "often happen In
totalitarian countries or
countries run on Com
munist lines."
Accused persons In Greece
were tried publicly and given
all legal assistance.
"Recommendations to the
Greek Government to stop the
executions indicate ignorance
of fundamental principles of
the Greek democratic regime,
in which the judiciary is sepa
rate from the executive. The
Government is powerless to
stop th# executions," he said.
M. Rentis, former Acting
Minister for Justice, said 157
people were executed during
the eight months M. Ladas,
the assassinated Minister for
Justice, was in' office.
An American Associated
Press report from Athens says
the entire Athens press,
quoting official sources, stat-
ed that Greek soldiers, dur
ing mopping up of a guerilla
stronghold at Roumeli, dis
covered the bodies of 42' in
fants, apparently strangled .
to death.
Reports added the babies
belonged'- to women whom
guerillas had taken as hos
tages.
$