On 18 September 2013, Greek rapper Pavlos Fyssas, known by his stage name Killah P., was murdered in Keratsini, near Piraeus. Fyssas, 34, was ambushed and fatally stabbed in the heart by Giorgos Roupakias, a 45-year-old member of the far-right group Golden Dawn.
Fyssas was renowned not only for his music but also for his outspoken opposition to fascism and racism. His killing sent shockwaves through Greek society. Political parties across the so-called “constitutional arc” united in condemning the act, while Golden Dawn attempted to disclaim responsibility despite mounting evidence of its violent networks.
The murder sparked mass anti-fascist protests across Greece and abroad, with thousands taking to the streets each year on the anniversary to honour his memory and call for justice. His mother, Magda Fyssa, became a powerful and enduring figure in this struggle, standing at the forefront of marches and courtroom proceedings. Her dignity and determination made her a symbol of resilience against hatred.
After a lengthy trial, in October 2020, a historic ruling by a Greek court declared Golden Dawn a criminal organisation, convicting its leadership and sentencing Roupakias to life imprisonment. The verdict was hailed as a victory for democracy and a moment of justice for Pavlos Fyssas and all victims of extremist violence.
Fyssas is remembered today as both an artist and an anti-fascist icon, his legacy carried on by the chants, murals, and music of those who refuse to forget.
Also read: ON THIS DAY: Composer Manos Loizos dies at 44 (1982)
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