Panos Ruci, who has been on a hunger strike for 19 days, was transferred to Nikaia General Hospital in Athens shortly before 8:30 a.m. on Friday for medical tests. He arrived at the hospital by taxi, accompanied by his wife, and went directly to the Emergency Department for scheduled examinations.
Ruci has been protesting outside authorities for weeks, demanding the exhumation of his son, Denni, one of the victims of the deadly Tempi train tragedy.
Dispute over medical assistance claims
The National Emergency Center (EKAB) had previously stated that Ruci “again refused medical treatment.” However, on Thursday the grieving father disputed this version of events, explaining:
“I did not refuse medical help. EKAB asked me if I needed anything, and I said, ‘I’m fine.’”
Despite his deteriorating condition, he insists on continuing his hunger strike until his demand is met.
Call for independent forensic examination
Ruci says he is not opposed to DNA testing on his son’s remains but insists that a forensic examiner of the family’s choosing must be present — something he claims authorities have denied.
“There are hours when I feel very exhausted, but I endure. I will not stop because I have the right to know how my child died. Why are they denying me this right? Let them give me the paper if they think they’re ‘clean.’ If they think I will leave here, they’re wrong,” he said.
