The trial for Greece's deadliest rail disaster, known as the "Tempi crime," resumed on Wednesday, with relatives of the 57 victims crowding into a courtroom in Larisa to demand justice. The crash in February 2023 killed mostly students traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki when their intercity train collided head-on with a freight train near Tempi. Three years later, families continue to seek accountability, as reported by the BBC.
The proceedings had been postponed last week due to chaotic overcrowding, and little improved upon resumption. Many relatives were barred from entering the courtroom, as police only allowed legally scheduled participants. Some complained that police occupied two rows of seats, while others said they could not clearly witness the trial. Defense lawyer Zoe Konstantopoulou called for the proceedings to be filmed, citing restricted access for families.
The disaster has sparked widespread anger and protests across Greece, with many viewing it as emblematic of state negligence and corruption. The railway network failed to utilize European Union funding intended for safety improvements. European Public Prosecutor Laura Kovesi stated the collision could have been avoided if the funds had been spent on modernizing the signaling system in time. The crash site was bulldozed within days, destroying potential evidence and fueling cover-up claims, which authorities have denied.
Thirty-six individuals are on trial, including a station master who failed to notice the two trains were on a collision course for 10 minutes. Thirty-three defendants face life imprisonment if convicted. However, campaigners express frustration that no politicians are among the accused. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who apologized to victims' families after the crash, was re-elected soon after the disaster and survived two no-confidence votes in parliament, allegedly urging patience for the judicial process.
The trial is being held in a remodeled conference hall costing hundreds of thousands of euros, but proceedings descended into chaos on March 23 when the courtroom became overcrowded. Survivors and family members were forced to sit in the seats of absent defendants, with lawyers arguing health and safety regulations were violated. Maria Karystianou, who lost her 19-year-old daughter Marthi, described relatives as "packed like sardines" and called the spectacle "an absolute disgrace."
Source: www.bbc.com