Christos Triantopolous has hit back sharply at claims made by Maria Karystianou regarding actions taken in the aftermath of the Tempi train disaster — and in particular over alleged remarks attributed to the then deputy minister.
The president of “Hope for Democracy,” speaking on the television programme Enopios Enipio, cited witness accounts and sworn testimonies to claim that Triantopolous had allegedly referred to the victims’ remains as “meat to be transported” and ordered that the site be “cleared out.”
Triantopolous strikes back
Triantopolous has gone on the offensive, categorically rejecting the allegations levelled against him and branding the specific claim a “vulgar lie.” “There are limits to how much slander one can tolerate,” he stated, making clear that he never used the disputed phrases.
Triantopolous’s full statement
“I was surprised to learn of the statements made by the President of the ‘Hope for Democracy’ party, Ms. Maria Karystianou, alleging that I had referred — at an unspecified time and place — to the remains of those killed in the tragic Tempi accident as ‘meat to be transported,’ so that the site could be ‘cleared out.’
Furthermore, these statements were made on a national television broadcast, and not in the context of her testimony as the mother of a victim of the tragedy — which might have excused even a serious lapse in judgment — but rather as part of an interview given in her capacity as a party leader. That distinction matters.
I have shown, and will always show, the utmost respect for the unspeakable grief of the families of those who lost their lives in the accident, as my conduct throughout this entire period clearly demonstrates.
However, I also have a duty to my children and my family, who are continuously forced to confront slander and endure contemptible and toxic behaviour.
There are, therefore, limits to the tolerance one can extend toward defamation.
And when that defamation comes from someone seeking an institutional role in this country, the situation takes on an entirely different character.
I find it deeply regrettable to be in the position of having to respond to allegations about things I supposedly said, when even the very thought of them is inconceivable.
I flatly and categorically deny everything stated above by Ms. Maria Karystianou, as a vulgar lie that leads down a slippery path — one I will not follow.
In any case, the proceedings before the Supreme Special Court — my natural judicial forum, as I requested from the very beginning — are now very close.
And there, the Truth will come to light.”
