On February 28, 2025, Greece witnessed intense clashes between protesters and the police, marking the second anniversary of the worst train disaster in the nation's history. The protestors, including students and families of the victims, gathered across the country to demand justice and accountability for the tragic train collision that killed 57 people, most of them young.
The Scale of the Protest
Over 325,000 people participated in protests across Greece, with the largest gathering in Athens. According to the Greek police, around 180,000 demonstrators filled the streets of the capital to honor the memory of the victims. The protests were fueled by anger and grief, as the public is still seeking answers for the reasons behind the fatal collision between two trains.
Violence and Clashes with the Police
As the protestors marched toward the parliament building in Athens, violent clashes broke out. Demonstrators threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the police, who responded by deploying tear gas. The tensions were palpable, with emotions running high as many mourned the loss of loved ones and voiced their frustration over the lack of accountability for the incident.
Demands for Justice
One of the prominent voices during the protest was 16-year-old Dimitris Korovesis, who said, “We want justice.” The protesters, many of whom were young people, were demanding answers about the causes of the train crash. The tragic event occurred on February 28, 2023, when two trains collided head-on in central Greece, leading to a devastating loss of life.
Remembering the Victims
In a powerful demonstration of remembrance, the names and ages of all the victims were read aloud in front of the Greek parliament. The majority of those who perished in the collision were young adults, and the public outcry surrounding their deaths remains strong two years later.
Greece’s National Strike and Paralysis
The day of the protests also coincided with a nationwide general strike that brought Greece to a standstill. The strike, which has received widespread support, is a testament to the country’s widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the disaster and its aftermath.
For more details on the ongoing protests, visit Sud Ouest.
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