Theochare G. Tourountzias
was born in Siatista,
but at the age of 22 years he was living in Austria as a trader. He met
there Rigas Velestinlis (or Ferraios) when he was preparing a secret
organization in order to prepare a Revolution for liberation of Greece
(1797-98). Other Greeks too became members of the same group with
enthusiasm.
Unfortunately for Rigas,
Tourountzias and their friends their attempt was betrayed, they
were arrested by the Austrian Police. During the investigations
Toutountzias confessed his deliberate and voluntary cooperation in that
preparatory work for the liberation of Greece.
Austrian Police
surrendered them to the Ottoman authorities in Belgrade, where they
were condemned to death. So, Toutountzias was a victim for the
preparation of the liberation of Greece, His martyrdom at the age of 23
(12-6-1798) became a symbol for imitation by the coming generation.
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