Next March is expected to bring final decisions about Maria Karystianou’s future as president of the Tempe Victims’ Families Association, following her decision to become involved in political developments. Given that her decision to engage in politics has angered several victims’ relatives, it’s considered almost certain that her term as president will not be renewed. On Tuesday, families issued a public statement distancing themselves from Maria Karystianou’s ambitions.
Strong reactions from Tempe victims’ families over Karystianou’s political moves
“To avoid misunderstandings, we the undersigned want to distance ourselves from all this speculation and discussion that developed recently about creating a ‘Movement-Party,’ in which the Association’s president participated and which she confirmed in yesterday’s statements. These actions are her personal choices – we had no information about them, no involvement, and we don’t know her ‘collaborators’ and the ‘staff’ that have been mentioned from time to time,” they stated characteristically, adding: “As an Association, we remain committed to the struggle we wage as parents and relatives of the victims to reveal all aspects of the Tempe crime and punish all those responsible, however high their position. Political involvement doesn’t concern us.” The announcement was signed by Pavlos Aslanidis, vice-president, Eleni Vasara, secretary, Vasilis Pavlidis, member, and Anastasios Tachmazidis, member.
As expected, the revelation of Maria Karystianou’s intentions to enter politics brought serious reactions. Maria Karystianou, who now signs her public interventions as pediatrician-mother of Martha, rather than as Association representative, emphasized in two Monday interviews – apparently liberated – that she’s on the front line with other people who “are trying to organize this movement,” while noting that “through citizen mobilization, something will emerge from society that will work in its favor.” When asked whether this movement would take the form of a party, Maria Karystianou left all possibilities open: “Probably yes, if it’s completed properly, if the right people are found of course, it will emerge. And it should emerge, because we need to have something to vote for. An alternative that will be completely different from the rest.”
