The Greek state’s participation in the Tempe rail disaster trial came under attack Wednesday, with prosecutors and victims’ families questioning its motives.
The state prosecutor recommended rejecting the Greek government’s civil claim, which targets only four defendants – three station masters on duty the night of the February 28, 2023, collision and a former Larissa railway inspection supervisor – arguing the participation was procedurally flawed.
Victims‘ families echoed that criticism. Attorney Antonis Psaropoulos, whose 20-year-old daughter Marthi died in the crash, called the state’s appearance “deficient” and “token,“ accusing the government of attempting to concentrate blame solely on “human error.”
“The illegal transfer of the stationmaster is inseparably linked to the deaths of our people,” Psaropoulos said, arguing the defendants knowingly accepted the risk their actions posed, given the absence of safety systems on that stretch of track.
The state’s lawyer denied any intent to mislead. The next hearing is scheduled for June 9.
