Acclaimed writer Menis Koumantareas was found dead in his home in Kypseli district of Athens. The 83-year-old has been allegedly victim of a crime as his face was bearing bruises and contusions. Greek media report that there were no signs of tampering on the door of Kounantareas apartment located on the fourth floor and that his personal items had been searched.
According to initial results by the coroner’s investigation, the bruises and contusions on the face and neck head were caused by beats without an object, that is they were caused by hands.
According to some reports, the time of his death is estimated around 1 o’ clock Saturday morning, others claim that he was found by his nephew almost at the same time.
A necropsy is to be conducted on upcoming Monday and determine the exact cause of his death.
Police investigates the crime.
Menis Koumandareas was born 1931 in Athens. He attended classes in the Philosophy and Law schools of the University of Athens, as well as in a drama school, but he did not complete his studies in any of these fields. Instead, he worked for a while as a journalist, and then as a clerk in seafaring and insurance companies.
Since 1961, he has been active as a writer and a translator.
He has been working as a full time writer since 1982.
He has been awarded the State Prize for Short Story (twice, 1967 and 1997) and for Novel (twice, 1975 and 2002).
His literary work has been translated in English, French and German.
He used to be a member of the Board of Directors for the Greek National Opera from 1982 to 1986.
