In a show of solidarity and demand for justice, tens of thousands of Greeks gathered in various cities, including 13 locations abroad, to remember the 57 victims of the deadliest rail disaster in the country in 2023. Protesters held banners and signs with messages such as “I have no oxygen”, reflecting the desperation of a victim who called the European emergency number on the night of the tragedy. The incident occurred when a northbound passenger train collided with a southbound freight train near Tempe, central Greece due to a mistake in track alignment.
The demonstrators accused the government of withholding evidence, conducting a secretive investigation, and unfairly blaming the disaster on a stationmaster’s errors. Many suspect that victims who survived the initial impact perished in a fire caused by dangerous chemicals carried by the freight train, an allegation the government denies. The prolonged investigation has led to delays in setting a trial date, with reports suggesting it may commence in the coming months, potentially involving 50-60 railway and other officials.
The protests, with major gatherings in Athens and Thessaloniki, were staged in 110 cities worldwide, including London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin, Helsinki, London, Nicosia, Reykjavik, and Valletta. The global response highlights the widespread concern and calls for accountability surrounding the tragic event. As the trial process unfolds, the quest for truth and justice for the victims and their families remains a focal point for the Greek populace and international supporters alike.
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