Amid a climate of outrage, the trial concerning the Tempi railway disaster resumed on Wednesday, 1 April, in Larissa, amid tensions, complaints about courtroom access arrangements, and an increased police presence. Proceedings took place at a dedicated facility in Larissa, where the second hearing focused on formal declarations of support for the prosecution by relatives of victims and survivors.
Before the session started, lawyers and victims' families reacted to restrictions on entry issued the previous day by a court order. Initially, access was limited to lawyers, one relative per victim's family, and a limited number of journalists. According to the arrangements, 21 accredited journalists sat in the main courtroom, while up to 25 non-accredited journalists observed proceedings from an auxiliary room equipped with screens and audio. After protests, authorities permitted all relatives to enter at least the auxiliary space. Photographers and television cameras were not allowed inside the building.
Tensions continued inside the venue, particularly as people entered the main courtroom. Relatives objected to the restrictions, with one mother of a victim saying, "No mother should be excluded, we gave birth, not them," while another stated, "It is my turn, I lost my only child. And I am a party to the case, obviously." These remarks were reported during emotional exchanges with police officers.
The heavy police presence inside the courtroom and the physical separation between lawyers and the victims' families were also heavily criticised. Some officers, including officers from the OPKE special police unit, were positioned on stairways used by relatives. Lawyer Zoe Konstantopoulou raised objections and alleged an incident of violence by police against Panos Routsis, the father of a victim. Routsis was taken to Larissa hospital after reportedly fainting, but later returned to attend the proceedings.
The presiding judge justified the police presence by citing threats made against the bench during the first hearing. She also warned that anyone trying to approach their lawyers improperly could be removed from the courtroom. Proceedings were briefly halted to restore order.
During the session, only a small number of the 36 defendants were present. Konstantopoulou requested audiovisual coverage of the trial. The court adjourned for approximately 30 minutes to consider the request. Although the prosecutor opposed it, the presiding judge permitted audio recording but stated that a decision on video recording was premature.
Lawyers representing victims broadly criticised the exclusion of relatives from the main courtroom and called for provisions to ensure greater access in future hearings. After the session, relatives and injured parties told journalists they were dissatisfied with the current arrangements and anticipated improvements. Some felt they were being treated "as if they were defendants" due to the strong police presence.
The hearing was adjourned shortly after 17:00 and is scheduled to resume on Monday, 6 April, when further dates for April and May are expected to be announced. Relatives indicated they plan to attend all future hearings in Larissa, stressing their aim of seeking justice for their loved ones.
Greece's Justice Minister, Giorgos Floridis, speaking on Alpha 98.9 radio station, said an ex officio felony case file is being prepared against lawyer Zoe Konstantopoulou in connection with videos she recorded during the trial and later published on social media. The minister referred to the fierce reactions during the trial, saying "a minimal minority that was reacting without any particular reason".
by Areti Tassoula - adapted from Greek by Vassia Barba
