ATHENS, Greece (AP) – On Sunday, tens of thousands of Greeks rallied in 110 cities, both domestically and abroad, to call for justice for the 57 victims of the country’s deadliest rail disaster which occurred in 2023. The largest demonstrations took place in Athens and Thessaloniki, each attracting around 30,000 participants. While the marches were primarily peaceful, some small groups engaged in skirmishes with police, throwing rocks and flares, which prompted a swift response from law enforcement involving tear gas and flash-bang grenades. These clashes were brief.
Internationally, around 500 demonstrators gathered outside the Greek Embassy in London’s Holland Park area. Protests were also held in cities including Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Cologne, Helsinki, Nicosia, Reykjavik, and Valletta, Malta. The demonstrations were organized by the relatives of the victims, who displayed placards and chanted poignant messages, including “I have no oxygen,” a phrase reportedly uttered by a victim who, while still alive, sought help by calling the 112 European emergency number. In Thessaloniki, one placard accused the state, the conservative government, and the European Commission of having “blood on their hands.”
Pavlos Aslanidis, a father of one of the victims, expressed his sentiments to the media in Thessaloniki, stating, “What is happening today is majestic… This is now a global fight.” He emphasized his belief in the fight for justice, declaring that despite the government’s opposition, they will prevail. The protesters criticized the government for allegedly covering up critical evidence and conducting a non-transparent investigation, largely attributing the disaster to a stationmaster’s negligence.
The tragic incident occurred on the night of February 28, 2023, when a northbound passenger train collided with a southbound freight train that had been mistakenly placed on the same track. There are rumors suggesting that at least 30 of the 57 victims survived the initial collision but later perished in a fire allegedly caused by hazardous chemicals being transported by the freight train. Accusations have surfaced, claiming that the government concealed information regarding the chemicals on board.
Delays in the investigation and the time taken by technical experts to produce reports about the cause of the post-collision fire have postponed the trial date, with reports indicating a possible start in spring 2024 if there are no further setbacks. Relatives of victims also allege that a small group is impeding the legal process by calling additional witnesses among the survivors. An estimated 50 to 60 rail officials and others are expected to stand trial for their roles in the incident.
Maria Karystianou, whose daughter was among those killed in the disaster, characterized the situation as “the most mafia-like cover-up operation.” She has emerged as a vocal figure, organizing events, petitioning the European Parliament, and providing commentary on Greek politics in media outlets.
Though opposition political parties anticipated the crash would undermine the government—resulting in the resignation of the then-transport minister—it had little impact during the two elections held in May and June 2023, where the ruling conservatives expanded their parliamentary majority. The opposition attempted to exert additional pressure on the government last year through a no-confidence motion, which was easily dismissed.
