STORY: Thousands protest in Athens over 2023 train tragedy
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 26, 2025/File
DATELINE: Jan. 27, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:17
LOCATION: Athens
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the protest
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Greek): PANAGIOTIS, Protestor
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Greek): MIRELA ROUTSINI, Mother of a victim
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Greek): MARIA KARYSTIANOU, Mother of a victim
5. various of clashes between protesters and police
6. various of the train accident in 2023 (file)

STORYLINE:

Approximately 30,000 people gathered outside the Greek parliament on Sunday, demanding justice for the 2023 train collision in Tempi, central Greece, which claimed 57 lives.
   
The demonstration, organized by an association of victims' families, was supported by opposition parties and labor unions.
   
The families accused the government of mishandling the investigation, alleging a "cover-up" of key details. There were claims that victims died from asphyxiation caused by an explosion rather than injuries from the collision, suggesting the explosion may have been triggered by flammable materials allegedly carried illegally on the freight train involved in the accident.
   
Protesters held banners declaring, "It was not an accident, but a crime," and painted the victims' names in red on the pavement near the parliament. The slogan "I have no oxygen," reportedly spoken by a victim during the incident, echoed at rallies held in Athens. Similar protests were reported in around 100 Greek cities and a dozen other European locations.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Greek): PANAGIOTIS, Protestor
"The struggle continues and will continue. Unfortunately, that is the truth. And it must continue so that the people who lost their children can find justice. I'm very sorry."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Greek): MIRELA ROUTSINI, Mother of a victim
"My name is Mirela Routsini, mother of 20-year-old Deini. We stand here today with our hearts heavy and our souls shattered. It was not an accident; it was a crime. No one dares to look at us in the eyes and say otherwise."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Greek): MARIA KARYSTIANOU, Mother of a victim
"What was heard in the audio is our truth. It is our daily reality. We have no oxygen. We struggle to breathe the filthy air of corruption.
Because we all understand that when the investigation finally happens, it will happen, the illegal chemical cargo is proven, those responsible, who made millions from its transport and are so desperate to bury the investigation, will stand trial for murder."

The protest turned violent when groups of hooded youths threw rocks and petrol bombs at police, prompting officers to respond with tear gas. Greek police reported that at least four police officers were injured, and 12 suspects were detained.
   
Meanwhile, a photographer was injured during the clashes. The Foreign Press Association (FPA) of Greece issued a statement expressing solidarity with the injured journalist and condemning police violence. It called for "an immediate and thorough investigation into these incidents" to "identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable."
   
The train tragedy has led to criminal charges against rail employees and officials, including the stationmaster on duty at a control center near the site of the collision. Survivors and families of victims are also pressing for the prosecution of politicians, blaming ministers for safety system deficiencies and accusing them of a "cover-up."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Athens.
(XHTV)