In a global outcry, Greeks and supporters across over 100 cities have taken to the streets demanding justice for the 57 victims of Greece’s disastrous train collision in 2023, marking the country’s deadliest rail incident to date.
The coordinated demonstrations spanned 110 locations, including key international hubs. Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece’s largest cities, saw the most sizable turnouts, with approximately 30,000 protesters in each city. Although the marches remained largely peaceful, tensions flared briefly as small groups clashed with police, leading to exchanges of tear gas and flares.
In London, about 500 demonstrators gathered at the Greek Embassy, joining protests in cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, and others. Rallying under the call of victims’ families, protesters held aloft signs and chanted impactful phrases, including the haunting words “I have no oxygen,” reportedly spoken by a victim who contacted emergency services during the incident.
Pavlos Aslanidis, whose son was among the victims, passionately addressed the crowd in Thessaloniki, declaring the movement a worldwide battle and expressing hope for triumph despite governmental opposition. The demonstrators accused the ruling authorities of concealing crucial evidence, conducting a shadowy investigation, and attempting to scapegoat a stationmaster.
The disaster, which occurred on February 28, 2023, involved a tragic collision between a passenger train and a freight train traveling in opposite directions on the same track due to a fatal error. The calamity has sparked widespread speculation, with some alleging that dangerous chemicals on the freight train exacerbated the tragedy, a charge some believe the government is trying to downplay.
Legal proceedings have been delayed amid ongoing investigative reporting and technical revelations about the post-crash fire. The media forecasts a trial initiation by spring, contingent on the absence of further holdups. In the interim, families of victims and advocates continue to push for accountability and transparency, determined to secure justice for the lives lost.
Prominent protest figures like Maria Karystianou, who lost her daughter in the crash, have amplified their voices within domestic and European platforms, underscoring the deep-seated anger and demand for action. Political opposition parties, despite initial hopes that the incident would undermine the ruling government, have thus far seen little political fallout, as evidenced by the administration’s success in subsequent elections and votes of confidence.
As the pursuit for truth and accountability unfolds, the global protests serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring pain and the urgent need for answers surrounding this tragic event.