The association is calling for an inquiry into potential offences including, among others: serial manslaughter by possible intent, bodily harm by possible intent, breach of duty, concealment of crimes, and obstruction of justice.

In a detailed proposal submitted to Parliament, the Association stresses that

“despite being fully aware of the shortcomings and risks, none of the officials involved took action to address the systemic failures of the railway system. They effectively accepted the possibility of a deadly accident, which tragically occurred in Tempe on 28 February 2023.”

The proposal goes on to state that

“not only did none of the officials ensure the operation of the European safety system for rail transport, they failed even to reinforce basic traditional safety measures or implement interim protections. On the contrary, those involved remained indifferent, showing a blatant disregard for human life and the responsibilities tied to their institutional roles – accepting the risk of a disaster that ultimately took the lives of passengers and railway staff.”

One of the most serious allegations raised concerns what the association describes as “the criminal covering up of the accident site just hours after the incident.” The document claims this cannot be brushed off as a routine technical operation but should be seen as “a deliberate and wilful act of concealing potentially criminal liability.”

The Association also highlights the role of Hellenic Train, noting that “none of the investment commitments outlined in the cooperation memorandum – particularly those related to safety infrastructure – were carried out either by Hellenic Train or the Greek government.”

It further criticises PM Mitsotakis for recently signing a new cooperation memorandum with Hellenic Train, in the presence of Italian PM Giorgia Meloni. While this agreement was touted as an investment worth €360 million in rolling stock and facilities, the Association points out that the amount is over 50% less than the original 2019 commitment of €645 million, from which Hellenic Train has since been released following a contract renegotiation.

Maria Karystianou: “We urge MPs to support our proposal”

Maria Karystianou, president of the Victims’ Association, published a statement calling on MPs to support the initiative. “The Tempe Victims’ Association, along with our legal team, is publicly submitting our proposal to ALL Members of Parliament for the creation of a Preliminary Investigation Committee (in line with Article 86 §3 of the Constitution, Article 153 of the Rules of Parliament, and Law 3126/2003 on Ministerial Responsibility), to look into the offences connected to the tragic Tempe disaster and the potential criminal responsibility of current and former government officials,” Karystianou wrote.

She added,

“We call on all MPs – regardless of party affiliation – to vote in favour of our proposal. It is a necessary step towards upholding the rule of law and democracy, restoring justice, and securing social peace, all of which have been shaken by the numerous acts and omissions that led to the Tempe disaster and the efforts to cover it up.”

Specifically, the association is seeking an investigation under Article 86 §3 of the Greek Constitution, Article 153 et seq. of the Rules of Parliament, and Law 3126/2003 concerning ministerial responsibility. The individuals they want investigated include:

  • Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister
  • Konstantinos Karamanlis, former Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
  • Ioannis Kefalogiannis, former Deputy Minister for Transport, now Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection
  • Georgios Karagiannis, former Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
  • Michalis Papadopoulos, former Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
  • Georgios Gerapetritis, former Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, now Minister for Foreign Affairs
  • Ioannis Tsakiris, Deputy Minister for Development and Investment
  • Zoi Rapti, former Deputy Minister for Health and Development
  • Athanasios Plevris, former Minister for Health and current parliamentary spokesperson for New Democracy
  • Nikolaos Papathanasis, former Alternate Minister for National Economy and Finance
  • Christos Spirtzis, former Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
  • As well as any other individuals who may be legally responsible, either as main perpetrators or accomplices.

The charges under review include:

  • Serial manslaughter by possible intent
  • Serial bodily harm by possible intent
  • Endangerment causing serious harm
  • Criminal interference with rail transport leading to multiple deaths
  • Breach of trust against the Greek state
  • Dereliction of duty
  • Concealment of criminal acts
  • Obstruction of justice
  • Fraud against the financial interests of the European Union, under EU Regulation 2017/1939 and Greek Law 4689/2020
  • High treason under Article 134 of the Penal Code
  • And any further offences that may emerge from the preliminary investigation, should Parliament approve the formation of the committee.

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