In Greece, a powerful surge of protests unfolded as citizens rallied to honor the memory of the 57 individuals who lost their lives in a devastating train collision. Marking the second anniversary of the tragedy, demonstrators gathered in Syntagma Square, Athens, chanting for justice and accountability following a report that attributed the disaster to human error and neglectful practices.
Young 13-year-old activist Dimitris voiced his sentiments, remembering the victims while demanding justice alongside his father, Petros Polyzos. The disastrous crash occurred on February 28, 2023, when a packed passenger train collided with a freight train near the Tempi gorge, devastating families and communities.
As tensions rose, the protests turned confrontational, with clashes breaking out between demonstrators and police forces. Many protestors donned t-shirts and carried signs calling for change, expressing anger over perceived government cover-ups concerning the causes of the disaster.
Rallies extended beyond Athens, with demonstrations occurring in 346 cities throughout Greece, and in several European cities like Brussels and Rome. Striking citizens included students, workers, and families; schools were closed, and businesses shuttered in solidarity with the cause.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, addressing the nation post-protests, acknowledged the overwhelming grief left in the wake of the accident and vowed to implement more efficient safety measures for Greek railways. However, skepticism remains regarding the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The prevailing atmosphere in Greece reflects the urgency for significant change as citizens seek justice not just for the victims, but for a future where such tragedies are prevented. In the words of protester Pavlos Aslanidis, whose son was among those killed, “I don’t know how I find the strength to stand… My son gives me the strength.”
