The Coordinating Committee of the Plenary of Bar Association Presidents, at its meeting on Tuesday, June 16, issued the following statement in response to the ruling by the Larissa Felony Court of Appeals regarding the participation of Bar Associations in support of the prosecution in the Tempi train disaster trial:
«Today’s ruling (June 16), reached by a narrow majority of 2-1 — with the President dissenting and contrary to the prosecutor’s recommendation — is respected, but at the same time fundamentally flawed. It stands in direct contradiction to established case law, most recently reflected in Decision No. 6/2026 of the Plenary of the Supreme Court (Areios Pagos), as well as to the letter and purpose of Article 90, paragraph (z) of the Bar Code, which explicitly provides that, on any matter of national, social, cultural, or economic interest, Bar Associations may file a declaration of civil party intervention before any criminal court of any jurisdiction in Greece, the European Union, and any international tribunal.»
Read also: Tempi trial: Greek State’s declaration of intervention accepted in proceedings
“The rule of law will be upheld”
The statement further notes: «The Coordinating Committee believes that the legal profession, through its interventions and participation, has made a substantial contribution to the investigation of this case and to the progress of the trial, and will continue to contribute in every way possible.
The legal profession, within the framework of its institutional role and responsibilities, will continue to stand present on major national and social issues, and will steadfastly and unwavering uphold the rule of law.»
