By Demetris Nellas and Costas Kantouris ,. They were mostly peaceful, although in each city, small groups of people attacked police forces with rocks and flares. Police responded with tear gas and flash-bang grenades. The clashes only lasted a few minutes. Another placard, seen in Thessaloniki, accused the state, the conservative government and the European Commission of having blood on their hands.
I believe we will win. We have the state ranged against us, but we will win. The marchers accused the government of hiding significant evidence, running an opaque investigation and trying to blame the disaster on a stationmaster's bad decisions.
The disaster happened on the night of Feb. A combination of anger, anguish over the deaths of mostly young people and a desire to make political capital out of the tragedy has given play to a series of rumors about the accident.
Many believe that at least 30 of the 57 victims survived the initial impact only to die in a fire started not by the high-speed crash but, allegedly, by dangerous chemicals transported by the freight train. Some have accused the government of trying to hide that chemicals were on board. A lengthy investigation and delays by technical experts in producing reports about what caused the fire after the crash have pushed back a trial date. Greek media have reported that it is possible a trial could begin in the spring if there are no further delays.
Some victims' relatives are also accusing a small group among them of further delaying the procedure by calling more witnesses among the survivors. It is estimated that about rail and other officials will be put on trial. Karystianou has taken on a high-profile role, organizing events, petitioning the European Parliament and opining on Greek politics in media appearances.
