In the summer of 1968, Alexandros Panagoulis conceived a plan to assassinate Colonel Georgios Papadopoulos, the Greek dictator who had taken control of the country through a military coup in 1967. Panagoulis, a former politician and staunch opponent of the junta, sought to eliminate the oppressive rule of Papadopoulos in order to restore democracy in Greece. On August 13, he launched his attack in Varkiza, a seaside suburb of Athens. As Papadopoulos's convoy passed, Panagoulis detonated explosives in a failed attempt to kill him. Remarkably, the attempt did not result in the dictator's death, and Panagoulis was quickly apprehended by authorities.

After his capture, Panagoulis faced severe consequences for his actions. He was subjected to torture during his imprisonment, which further illuminated the brutality of Papadopoulos’s regime. His defiance became a symbol of opposition against the military junta, capturing the attention of both national and international communities concerned about human rights abuses in Greece. Panagoulis's resilience and determination continued beyond his assassination attempt, as he became a prominent figure in the Greek resistance movement, advocating for political change and democratic reforms.

The event marked a crucial juncture in Greece's history; further protests and acts of defiance grew increasingly common, paving the way for broader resistance against the military dictatorship. The assassination attempt itself was a manifestation of deep-seated discontent and desire for a return to democratic governance, principles that many Greeks held dear.