Greece: Thousands Rally in Athens for Justice After 2023 Train Catastrophe
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Synopsis
On January 27, 2023, around 30,000 demonstrators gathered in Athens, demanding justice for the tragic train collision in Tempi that resulted in 57 fatalities. The protest highlighted accusations of government negligence and cover-ups regarding the incident.
Key Takeaways
- 30,000 people protested in Athens.
- Demand for justice over the 2023 train tragedy.
- Accusations of government cover-up.
- Protesters faced police violence.
- Calls for investigation into police actions.
Athens, Jan 27 (NationPress) Approximately 30,000 individuals assembled outside the Greek parliament on Sunday, demanding accountability for the 2023 train disaster in Tempi, central Greece, which resulted in the loss of 57 lives.
The rally, coordinated by a victims' families association, received backing from opposition parties and labor unions, according to Xinhua news agency.
The victims' families accused the government of poorly managing the investigation, alleging a cover-up of crucial information. There were assertions that victims perished from asphyxiation due to an explosion instead of injuries from the crash, hinting that the explosion could have been caused by flammable materials purportedly transported illegally on the freight train involved.
Protesters displayed signs stating, “It was not an accident, but a crime,” and painted the victims' names in red on the pavement close to the parliament. The phrase “I have no oxygen,” reportedly uttered by a victim during the incident, resonated at demonstrations in Athens. Similar protests occurred in around 100 Greek cities and a dozen other locations across Europe.
The protest escalated into violence when groups of masked youths hurled rocks and petrol bombs at police, leading officers to respond with tear gas. Greek authorities reported that at least four police officers sustained injuries, and 12 individuals were apprehended.
Additionally, a photographer was hurt during the confrontations. The Foreign Press Association (FPA) of Greece released a statement expressing support for the injured journalist and denouncing police brutality. It called for “an immediate and thorough investigation into these incidents” to identify the offenders and ensure they are held accountable.
The train disaster has prompted criminal charges against rail employees and officials, including the stationmaster on duty at a control center near the collision site. Survivors and victims' families are also advocating for the prosecution of politicians, blaming ministers for deficiencies in safety systems and accusing them of a cover-up.
