The huge Tempi rallies in hundreds of cities in Greece and across the world have drawn widespread international media coverage. British news outlets The Guardian, German RND Network, and Al Jazeera are among the news sites reporting on the demonstrations the focus of which is in the Greek capital of Athens.
The protests in 124 cities in Europe, as well as in the United States and Australia, to honor the 57 victims of the Tempi train disaster were among the top news stories in the world, as hundreds of thousands of people gathered to demand justice for the victims and accountability for those responsible in the 2023 crash, one the deadliest rail accidents in Europe.
Guardian: “Rage in Greece as second anniversary of train disaster prompts mass protests”
“Dozens of thousands of people are joining strikes and protests as Greece marks the second anniversary of the deadly Tempi train crash, the aftermath of which has put Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the line of fire,” reports The Guardian. A large demonstration in London is set to begin outside the Greek Embassy at 20:00 Greek time (18:00 local).
Experts have attributed the catastrophe to systemic failures and negligence. The Guardian also notes that organizers of Friday’s protests and union-led strikes have vowed that the demonstrations will be of an unprecedented scale.
RND: “Public Anger is Growing”
“The strike is a demand for justice for the tragic train accident in Tempi two years ago,” states Germany’s RND network. It highlights the mounting frustration over the slow progress of the investigation, with mass protests in Greece drawing people from various social groups, including students and farmers.
Stern: “The Train Was Carrying ‘Illegal Cargo’”
Germany’s Stern reports that while the crash was officially blamed on human error and structural deficiencies in the Greek railway system, a newly released expert report suggests that the freight train involved was carrying “illegal cargo,” including explosive chemicals that ignited upon collision.
Deutsche Welle: “Greek Citizens Demand Answers”
Describing the tragedy as a “collective trauma,” Deutsche Welle presents an extensive report featuring testimonies from survivors and grieving families. A major rally is also taking place in Berlin, where members of the Greek diaspora are urging people to participate.
Politico: “Greece gripped by massive strikes as suspicion and anger boil over”
“Greece is paralyzed by mass strikes as suspicion and anger boil over,” writes Politico. Several international outlets have also reported on the findings of the newly published Tempi investigation.
Al Jazeera: “Anger mounts as Greece remembers deadliest train crash two years on”
Al Jazeera highlights the safety deficiencies that had long plagued Greece’s railway system, concluding that the Tempi disaster was the result of years of neglect.
Global Vigils and Protests
Memorial gatherings are being held in Brussels, Rome, London, Paris, Marseille, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Lyon, Nice, Berlin, and New York. In Melbourne, Australia, hundreds gathered yesterday outside the Greek consulate to pay their respects.
