Thousands Gather Across Greece in Memory of the Tempi Tragedy

Gatherings were held in more than 100 cities across Greece and abroad today (26/1) in response to the tragic train accident in Tempi. Protesters held banners reading: "We won't forget" and "I have no oxygen" - echoing a woman's last words in a call to emergency services that was published by local media last week.

Tens of thousands of people heeded the call of the "Association of the Victims of the Tempi Accident" to protest the causes of the crash that resulted in 57 deaths. Political leaders and representatives of opposition parties were present at the demonstrations.

"We are here and we will not stop … until those responsible are held accountable," said Maria Karistianou, whose 20-year-old daughter died in the 2023 train crash. With the main slogan "I can't breathe," the families of the victims, unions, associations, and ordinary citizens protested with banners at Syntagma Square, for the tragedy that occurred in Tempi in February 2023, claiming 57 lives.

"We stand united against an unspeakable crime where those responsible are trying to escape. This will not happen. It must not happen," emphasized Maria Karistianou, President of the "Association of the Victims of the Tempi Accident."

"I want to deeply thank everyone who is with us, for the love and strength they give us because for two years now, those responsible for our children's murder have been hiding behind their immunity," a mother of a victim stated emphatically.

A large crowd also gathered in Thessaloniki at Kamara Square, including the mother of Francesca, one of the 57 victims.

Fotini Kokkala mentioned, "The experience is indescribable in words; every day we drink our own poison, and every moment is incredibly difficult for us. All responsible must be held accountable for contributing to this massive crime."

Brief clashes broke out between police and some protesters after the largely peaceful demonstration, which was one of the biggest to be held in the capital in recent years. Similar protests were held in other cities in Greece.

Earlier, several relatives attended a solemn ceremony to pay tribute to the deceased students of Tempi at a memorial established at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

"We will never forget, we will never stop fighting," was the rallying cry of the protest participants at the Central Square of Larissa.

"We are gathered here because injustice has overflowed, because they try to disappoint us every day, because they attempt to stop us. They will not stop us," protest participants declared to ERT's camera, adding, "It was inconceivable to miss this. We support, and we want what everyone else wants for the victims' families: Justice."

Tensions in Syntagma and Thessaloniki

Extensive incidents occurred shortly after 2 PM when an unknown group broke away from the demonstration ongoing at Syntagma Square and attacked police officers. There was significant use of flash-bangs and tear gas, and fires were started in garbage bins.

The incidents began below Syntagma Square on Filellinon Street and then spread to Propylaia and Kolokotroni and surrounding streets. According to the police, so far, 12 people have been arrested, and one detained, while four police officers were injured, and damage was inflicted on police equipment.

Tensions also arose near the Thessaloniki Railway Station, where some participants in the Tempi march attacked police with stones at the intersection of Agion Panton and Margaropoulou Streets. The police responded with tear gas, resulting in 23 arrests so far.

A judicial investigation is still in progress over the head-on collision of a freight train and a passenger train packed with students just before midnight on Feb. 28, 2023.

Emotional Gathering in Larissa

A large crowd gathered in the central square of Larissa and then marched towards the OSE station.

Mania Gousari, a reporter for ERT news, reported from the site of the Tempi accident that the phrase "I can't breathe" was passionately shouted by the people of Larissa. The event was a moving and massive gathering that sent a powerful message.

The journalist noted seeing young people cry and tear up, expressing the demonstrators' sentiment that they will not have peace until justice is served, the case is fully illuminated, and they feel safe using public transport again.

"Students, retirees, workers, and many more bodies and unions echoed these sentiments. I dare say it was almost the same crowd present in the days following the crash. For those familiar with Larissa's vast central square, they know how filled it was. Thousands of people participated in this peaceful march with tremendous strength behind their words, which I believe the victims' families felt and appreciated," Mania Gousari stated.

Chrysoula Florou, who also participated, is the sister of Vasiliki Florou who lost her life in Tempi. "We consider ourselves lucky that Vasiliki died instantly. Other children experienced death for 2.5 minutes. We will never forget them. We will fight until the end for their justice, and nothing will stop us," she declared.

Chania

Thousands of citizens from Chania also called for justice for the Tempi victims, responding to the families’ appeal. People of all ages flooded the square early, merging their voices in a call for "justice and vindication."

Igoumenitsa

A gathering took place on Sunday afternoon in Igoumenitsa, with hundreds of people of all ages convening in the city's central square. The mobilization, organized by the Thessporia Labor Center, organizations, and collectives, primarily sought "justice and a thorough investigation of the Tempi tragedy."

The event began with speeches, followed by a theatrical performance by the FAOS Theatre Group. Children with hands painted red stood at the square's center, delivering a strong message for "justice and accountability."

Syros

Heraklion

A protest was also held in the center of Heraklion concerning the Tempi incident. At Eleftherias Square, Daskalogianni Square, and Justice Street, thousands of people and numerous organizations and unions gathered, demanding transparency about the tragic Tempi accident's conditions.

Among those gathered in Heraklion was Vasilis Kokotsakis, a special arson investigator and technical consultant for the Tempi victims' association. He noted that "throughout the investigation, whenever difficulties increased, there was always a glimmer of hope from the children themselves," adding, "truth always finds a way to emerge." He spoke of justice that "will be celebrated by the children in heaven when it is achieved."

Two years on, the exact cause of death of many victims has not been determined. Their families have accused authorities of trying to cover up evidence, something the government denies. "Two years after the tragedy, no one has been punished, no one is in prison," said Ilias Papangelis, whose 18-year-old daughter was among those killed, addressing the crowd of protesters, some of whom chanted "Murderers."

The crash, on a line linking Athens with Greece's second-largest city Thessaloniki, triggered angry protests across the country, with many people saying it reflected widespread neglect of the rail network after a decade-long financial crisis.