Tens of thousands of protesters marched across Greece and abroad on Sunday, marking two years since the nation’s deadliest rail disaster, which killed 57 people in 2023. Demonstrators voiced frustration over the lack of accountability and alleged government attempts to obscure the truth.

Protests unfolded in nearly 100 Greek cities and 13 international locations. In Athens, the largest rally drew around 30,000 participants, while roughly 16,000 gathered in Thessaloniki.

“What is happening today is monumental,” said Pavlos Aslanidis, whose child was among the victims, speaking to reporters in Thessaloniki. “This has become a global fight.”

Standing among demonstrators in Athens, Ilias Papangelis, who lost his 18-year-old daughter in the disaster, said: “Two years after the tragedy, no one has been punished, no one is in prison.”

Placards carried by protesters read, “We don’t forget, we don’t forgive” and “Justice, not forgetting.” Others bore the last words of one victim: “I have no oxygen.”

Tensions in Athens

While most protests were peaceful, violence erupted in Athens, where demonstrators threw rocks and flares at police. Officers responded with tear gas and flash-bang grenades, according to eyewitnesses.

Much of central Athens was brought to a standstill by the demonstrations. Local media reported at least one injury during the clashes.

Maria Karystianou, whose daughter died in the crash, described the investigation as “the most mafia-like cover-up operation,” accusing the government of stalling justice and concealing critical evidence.

Demonstrations also took place in cities such as London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Brussels, as well as in smaller capitals including Reykjavik and Valletta.

“This is not just a Greek issue anymore,” Aslanidis said. “My son’s soul must be elated. We are up against the state, but we will win.”

Calls for Accountability

The tragedy occurred on February 28, 2023, when a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train after being mistakenly placed on the same track. Survivors and families of victims accuse the government of negligence, opaque investigations, and attempting to shift blame solely onto a stationmaster.

Reports funded by victims’ families suggest the freight train was carrying an illegal load of explosive chemicals, which they believe caused a fire that killed survivors of the initial crash.

Despite promises of accountability, trials have been delayed by lengthy investigations and new witness testimonies. Families continue to demand answers.

As the second anniversary passes, protesters remain steadfast in their calls for justice.