The trial for the deadly train tragedy at Tempe was adjourned until April 1st, amid intense tension and protests from victims’ relatives and legal representatives. The proceedings began with obstacles and only managed to progress until the reading of the names of the first five defendants before being suspended. From early morning, even before the session began, there was unrest inside and outside the courtroom, with tensions gradually escalating.
Tempe trial: Intense protests from relatives’ lawyers over courtroom conditions
A major point of contention were the trial conditions. Victims’ relatives and defense attorneys denounced the courtroom as unsuitable, describing a suffocating environment that prevents the normal presence of all involved parties. It should be noted that the main courtroom has 221 seats for the public and 36 for defendants, a number that, according to protesters, is insufficient for the needs of such a large and sensitive case.
During the proceedings, repeated requests for adjournment were submitted, which were initially rejected. However, the situation deteriorated further when a fainting incident occurred, ultimately leading the court president to decide to adjourn the trial and set a new date for April 1st.
Intense were the reactions of victims’ relatives, who expressed their indignation over the conditions, shouting slogans such as “Shame” and “Disgrace,” while there were also moments of tension among attendees.
They were supported by the president of the Plenary of Greek Bar Associations, Andreas Koutsolambros, who emphasized that “basic safety rules and proper trial conduct are not being observed,” requesting the finding of a suitable courtroom to ensure the unimpeded continuation of the proceedings.
Among the defendants, only three individuals attended the session: Dimitris Nikolaou, head of the OSE Larissa Inspection Department, Konstantinos Mouroudelis, director of the Railway Systems Directorate, and Spyros Pateras, former OSE president.
The trial is expected to continue in early April, with the issue of venue suitability remaining at the center of reactions.
