Tens of thousands of Greeks poured onto the streets on Sunday, demanding justice for those who lost their lives in the country’s worst railway disaster nearly two years ago. The protests, one of the largest to take place in Athens in recent years, unfolded largely outside the Greek parliament, with demonstrators rallying under slogans like "We won’t forget" and "I have no oxygen," echoing the last words of one of the victims.
The protests were witnessed by local authorities, with reports estimating around 40,000 participants, including over 12,000 at the Athens rally, with additional numbers swelling to 30,000 two hours later. Secondary protests were seen across more than 100 cities both domestically and abroad, showcasing the widespread support for the cause.
These demands stemmed from the tragic event on February 28, 2023, when a passenger train, packed with students returning home, collided head-on with a freight train near Larissa, resulting in 57 fatalities. Many victims of this horrific disaster were young individuals, sparking outrage and sorrow throughout the nation. The trains had, unbeknownst to the operators, traveled for 19 minutes on the same track prior to the collision, and the subsequent fire engulfed the passenger train, exacerbated by reports of illegal cargo carried by the freight train.
The past two years have been marked by tumult and frustration for families of the victims as judicial investigations continue at a painfully slow pace. Little accountability has seemingly been placed upon those responsible. "Two years after the tragedy, no one has been punished, no one is in prison," mourned Ilias Papangelis, who lost his 18-year-old daughter, as he stood among the throngs of protesters demanding justice.
The intense emotions felt during the protests were palpable. Demonstrators carried banners declaring "justice for our children," and chants filled the air accusing officials of negligence and even complicity. A representative of victims' families, Maria Karystianou, lost her 20-year-old daughter and passionately declared, "We are here and we will not stop... until those responsible are held accountable." Her words rang with the weight of anger and grief shared by many.
The protest's momentum turned chaotic at points, with clashes between demonstrators and police leading to brief skirmishes, as officers deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds. Some protesters retaliated, throwing Molotov cocktails. Despite this, many held onto the overarching message of peace and remembrance, as families cried out, "Assassins!" reflecting their anger at the government’s handling of the situation.
Contributing to the discontent, leaked audio recordings revealed chilling details indicating some victims could have survived the initial collision, only to perish from asphyxiation or burns caused by the ensuing fire. This sparked public speculation about the true nature of the catastrophe, with many suspecting governmental negligence and cover-ups.
The protests highlighted not just the pain of individual families but also the broader societal disillusionment with the Greek government, which has faced accusations of failing to address rail safety inadequacies. Protesters maintained, "This isn’t just about us; it’s about all of Greece," asserting their determination to seek justice.
Nikos Plakias, who lost multiple family members, conveyed the enduring uncertainty of many victims’ families: "We don’t know what caused the explosion, what the freight train was carrying. We will always have questions… and if we need to reach the European courts, we will." This sentiment illustrated the resolve to push for accountability no matter the obstacles.
The Greek government has faced scrutiny for its lack of transparency since the tragedy, with opposition party leaders criticizing its failures. While the ruling party, New Democracy, was re-elected following the disaster, it now finds itself under mounting pressure to respond to public outcry and the persistent demand for justice.
With each protest, the call for justice grows louder, fueled by the memory of those who tragically lost their lives. Mirela Roussi, who lost her child, expressed gratitude to the demonstrators, stating: "Thank you for responding to this call... since two years, those responsible have been hiding." The echoes of injustice resonate throughout the nation, reminding citizens of the importance of not allowing such tragedies to fade from memory.
These marches represent not just mourning but also demands for serious governmental reforms. Participants gathered under the weight of their grief, urging the government to address systemic rail issues overlooked for far too long. The emotional toll of the disaster permeates the protests, serving as powerful reminders of lost lives and the need for accountability.
With continued demonstrations looming, the message is clear: the quest for justice will not cease. "We want to guarantee no crime remains unpunished" articulated both the urgency and determination of those who marched. The passion displayed on the streets of Athens and beyond serves as a promise to the victims; their memories and their fight for justice will not go unnoticed.