The Larissa Appeals Council is now discussing their request for Bakaimis’ removal.

Allegations against the investigator

In their memorandum, Karystianou and Aslanidis claimed that evidence in the case file suggests some victims survived the initial collision but died due to subsequent explosions and fire, likely caused by chemicals such as hydrocarbons. They argue that Bakaimis has not acted on this evidence, despite his legal obligation to do so under Article 250 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Specifically, they allege:

  1. Failure to act promptly: The investigator has not initiated a preliminary examination of potential felonies, including manslaughter by possible intent and explosion, as required by law.
  2. Ignoring evidence: Requests to investigate the presence of hazardous materials on the train remain unanswered, even though technical reports and audio evidence suggest their involvement in the explosions and fire.
  3. Delays in expert reports: The investigator allegedly deferred decisions until receiving the technical report of an appointed expert, which should have been available months earlier.

Technical reports cited

The memorandum highlights findings from several expert analyses, including reports by:

  • Vasilios Kokotsakis and his team of international scientists, which detail explosions and fire caused by hazardous materials.
  • Professor Faisal Khan of Texas A&M University, focusing on chemical processes linked to the disaster.
  • Chief firefighter Evangelos Alexandris, whose team analysed fire-related evidence.

The reports collectively suggest that the presence of hazardous chemicals played a significant role in the fatalities.

Request for immediate action

The relatives have called on the Supreme Court to replace Bakaimis with one or more investigators capable of handling the case’s complexities. They argue that his failure to act jeopardises the integrity of the investigation and the prospect of justice for the victims.

“The satisfaction of our legitimate request becomes even more imperative when considering the multitude of unanswered and unresolved requests we have submitted,” the memorandum states.

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