Socialist PASOK Deputy Prime Minister Evangelos Venizelos on Saturday expressed his deep sorrow at the murder of author Menis Koumandareas, found dead in his apartment with extensive wounds to his face.

Mr. Venizelos said that the author had left his “strong stamp” on Greek literature as a distinguished member of the “second” post-War Generation of Greek prose writers with an extensive body of work, many awards and multiple translations to his name that made him a special case.

“His realistic and poetic gaze gave us some excellent texts that were embraced by critics and the public,” said Mr. Venizelos, expressing his condolences to the family.