ATHENS, Greece – Massive protests erupted across Greece on Friday, marking the second anniversary of the country’s deadliest rail disaster. The demonstrations turned violent as riot police clashed with protesters near the Greek Parliament, using tear gas, stun grenades, and water cannons to disperse the crowds, reports AP.
The protests commemorated the 57 victims of the February 28, 2023, rail collision, a tragedy that has become a symbol of systemic failures in Greece’s transportation infrastructure. With public anger mounting over a lack of accountability, hundreds of thousands took to the streets, participating in a general strike that halted flights, rail services, and ferries nationwide.
Clashes Erupt in Athens and Thessaloniki
While the protests were largely peaceful, violent clashes broke out in Athens and Thessaloniki as groups of masked demonstrators hurled Molotov cocktails and stones at riot police. Authorities reported that 120 people were detained, with at least 27 arrests made.
In central Athens, protesters stormed an archaeological site near Hadrian’s Arch, using rocks as projectiles. At least 20 people required medical attention due to the confrontations.
Demands for Justice and Political Fallout
The general strike was supported by Greece’s largest labor unions and victims’ families, who demand justice and accountability for the disaster. Critics argue that while railway officials face legal action, political leaders responsible for decades of mismanagement remain unpunished.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, facing growing public dissent, reiterated his commitment to improving rail safety. However, the government’s handling of the disaster has fueled support for anti-establishment parties, making this a politically sensitive moment.
A Nation in Mourning
Memorial services were held across Greece, as the victims’ families urged protesters to remain peaceful. Maria Krystianou, who lost her 21-year-old daughter in the crash, stood outside Parliament and addressed the crowd:
“For those of us who lost our loved ones, the pain is forever. This fight is for them.”
The rail disaster and its aftermath remain a stark reminder of Greece’s struggling infrastructure and governance failures, with public frustration showing no signs of subsiding.
