With lower tensions but continued emotion, the hearing procedure for the deadly Tempi train disaster continued, with the court ultimately adjourning until April 27, when it will convene for the 4th time. During the proceedings, civil action statements supporting the prosecution from victims’ relatives and survivors of the fatal train collision continued. Only three of the total 36 defendants appeared in the dock with bowed heads, while victims’ families were present in the courtroom, including the family of 23-year-old Angelos Tilkeridis (parents and two siblings), who declared civil action through their lawyers.
Parents of first car’s only survivor deliver emotional testimony
Particularly emotional were the statements from the parents of the first car’s only survivor, Gerasimos-Jason Georgiadis. His mother’s lawyer emphasized that «for three years we hear about 57 dead, there may not be only 57», noting that the young man remains in critical condition without regaining consciousness. «He is neither in heaven nor on earth», his father’s lawyer characteristically stated, describing it as a «continuing crime».
Civil action was also declared by collision survivors, including a mother representing her child, who was seriously injured as a five-month-old baby and today, at three and a half years old, continues to face the consequences. Also present were victims’ relatives from Greece and abroad, including the family of a 33-year-old from Bangladesh, as well as relatives of a Romanian victim.
Emotion was also stirred by the reference to the 57th victim, Erietta, with her family announcing actions in her memory, including a scholarship, university chair, and foundation for children with cancer.
Konstantopoulou: “Traumatic and appalling conditions”
During the proceedings, there were interventions regarding the conditions of the trial. Lawyer Zoe Konstantopoulou, who declared civil action for a victim’s family, spoke of «traumatic and appalling conditions», denouncing restricted publicity, surveillance of relatives and obstruction of her duties. She demanded, among other things, television coverage of the trial and mandatory presence of all defendants in the courtroom.
Meanwhile, prosecution support lawyers emphasized the need for complete investigation of the case, speaking of a «chain of responsibilities», while noting that significant elements of the case file, such as issues concerning the «cover-up» and explosion, have not been included.
Of particular significance was the declaration that 49 bar associations across the country are representing prosecution support, characterizing the case as being of «national interest». The Greek State is also expected to declare prosecution support.
