The news of the death of the distinguished constitutional law scholar and professor George Kasimatis caused great sadness in Kythira and throughout Greece; who passed away on Sunday morning at the Trifyllio Hospital in Kythira at the age of 92.
Born in 1932 in Livadi, Kythira, George Kasimatis was one of the leading figures in Greek legal scholarship. He served as Dean of the Athens Law School, Legal Advisor to the governments of Andreas Papandreou from 1981 to 1989, and President of the National Council for Radio and Television (1997–1998). He was also the founder of the Kythira Foundation for Culture and Development (KIPA), through which he worked for the intellectual and cultural revival of his home island. He also served as president of the Trifyllio Foundation from 1975 to 1995 and from 2006 to 2012.
«Kythira is poorer without George Kasimatis. The preeminent constitutional scholar, the dean of Kythirian academics, the man who gave everything to his homeland, with his most significant contribution being the institutional protection of domestic property, now belongs to the pantheon of great Greeks to whose thoughts and words we will always turn.».
City Councilman Anargyros Sofios also expressed similar emotions, writing:
«The news of the death of Professor, constitutional scholar Mr. Georgios Kasimatis, brings deep sorrow to all of us who honor academic integrity, the legal profession, and democratic thought. He was a mentor to generations of legal scholars, a defender of the Constitution, and an uncompromising champion of democratic institutions. His voice served as a reminder that the Constitution is the living charter of freedom and citizens» rights.”.
«All Together, Kythira-Antikythira» – Statement of Condolences on the Death of Professor George I. Kasimatis:
«The municipal political group «All Together, Kythira – Antikythira» expresses its deep sorrow at the loss of our fellow citizen, Professor George I. Kasimatis of the University of Athens and distinguished constitutional scholar, our fellow islander and a prominent figure in the worlds of literature and science.
The late Mr. [Name], born in Livadi, Kythira, in 1932, was one of the most prominent figures in the country’s legal community, internationally recognized for his decisive contribution to the study and development of constitutional law. With his wisdom and integrity, he served the public interest and academia for decades, serving as a guiding light for generations of lawyers and citizens.
His passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but his work and legacy will continue to inspire the people of Kythira and all those who selflessly strive for their homeland and democracy.
»We extend our sincere condolences to his loved ones and to the entire community of Kythira.".
This is truly a great loss—first and foremost for his loved ones, to whom I extend my heartfelt condolences—as well as for Tsirigo, for democracy, for science, and for culture.
And on the subject of the Constitution and the repeal of Article 86—a matter on which his colleague, Vangelakis Venizelos, I would like to remind you that he was one of the very few scholars of constitutional law who supported and spoke out against the memoranda as unconstitutional, while the politicians who signed them are guilty of high treason.
I will always think of him as something like my wise, distant uncle—a source of support through every good and bad event that happened in my family—as the nephew of Grigoris Kasimatis...
It was there when the junta imprisoned my uncle; it was there when my aunt gave birth and Grigoris was in solitary confinement. It was there when democracy was restored, and we celebrated it together…
I remember his concerns when constitutional changes were being discussed, and how he would step in as a teacher to explain in simple terms what was lawful, moral, and right.
The soil of your homeland that will cover you is light. I am almost certain that the legacy you left behind will always illuminate democracy in the country that gave birth to it…