Twenty days after its last session, the trial over the Tempi train tragedy—one of Greece’s deadliest rail disasters, which claimed dozens of lives in February 2023—resumes today, with proceedings reopening at the Criminal Court of Appeal in Larissa.
During today’s hearing, the process of formally declaring support for the prosecution is expected to conclude. All eyes are on the representatives of the Greek state, who are anticipated to explain their decision to stand opposite the 36 defendants in this landmark case. Their stance has drawn significant attention, as they join the side of the victims’ families and the country’s bar associations, who are seeking accountability for the disaster.
At the previous session of the three-member felony appeals court in Larissa, state lawyers had announced their intention to sit on the side supporting the prosecution—a position traditionally held by the victims’ relatives and legal associations. This move came as a surprise to many involved in the trial. Today, the court expects the state’s legal representatives to justify both their decision and the exact nature of their participation, amid the likelihood of objections from the defense.
Once the prosecution’s supporting statements are completed, the focus will shift to the defense teams representing the accused. They are expected to raise objections regarding specific parties’ participation in supporting the prosecution, effectively making their first strategic moves in the criminal proceedings.
Present in the courtroom once again will be relatives of the victims, as well as survivors who endured the horrific events and managed to escape alive. It remains unclear how many of the defendants will appear in person, as most have so far chosen to be represented by their lawyers—a right afforded to them under Greek law.
After hearing the objections, the judges will be called upon to issue rulings before giving the floor back to the prosecution’s side to submit further objections on other matters.
Although this phase of the trial is procedural, it is closely tied to the substance of the case. Given the large number of lawyers involved on both sides, it is expected to span multiple sessions.
Resolving these issues is considered crucial so that the trial can move forward and the examination of witnesses can begin. In any case, the proceedings are expected to be lengthy, with hundreds of witnesses set to testify in the coming months.
Ultimately, all sides emphasize the need for a fair trial—one that respects the rights of the victims’ families, who seek justice for their loved ones lost so unjustly, as well as the rights of the defendants now standing trial.
It is worth noting that the charges, depending on the case, include offenses such as endangering transportation safety, negligent homicide, and causing bodily harm.
