Panos Ruci the father of 22 year old Denis Ruci who lost his life at the Tempi railway disaster, was reported to have refused any form of medical treatment, despite being on the 17th day of a hunger strike in central Athens, yet he denies such claims.

According to a statement from Greece’s National Emergency Center (EKAB), paramedics are checking his vital signs and overall condition daily, stressing the urgent need for regular medical and laboratory tests to ensure his health. However, according to EKAB, Ruci has declined to undergo any examinations.

“This refusal makes monitoring his health even more critical and requires readiness for his immediate and safe transfer to a hospital if necessary,” EKAB said.

EKAB emphasized that since the start of the hunger strike in Athens’ Syntagma Square, ambulance crews and rapid response teams have been on constant standby. While his vital signs are being observed, authorities note that his condition could deteriorate suddenly without medical supervision.

Ruci’s Response

Following the EKAB announcement, Routsis clarified that he has not refused help. In an interview with Open TV, he explained that paramedics asked if he needed anything, to which he responded: “I’m fine.”

He emphasized that he has been demanding the presence of his own forensic expert, not just a DNA test, but authorities have not permitted it. “There are times I feel very exhausted, but I endure. I will not stop because I want that document. It is my right to know how my child died, and I will see it through to the end,” he said.

Ruci added: “If they think I will leave without it, they are wrong. They should provide the document if they believe they are ‘clean.’”