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Rhodes: Fury on the island over the release of the 44-year-old driver – 'He was coming at 1,000, people in the villages
🇬🇷 Greece /Crime & Justice

Rhodes: Fury on the island over the release of the 44-year-old driver – 'He was coming at 1,000, people in the villages were terrified'

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A 44-year-old driver on the Greek island of Rhodes has been released from custody, sparking outrage among locals.
  • The driver is accused of causing a fatal accident by running a red light at high speed, killing two women.
  • Relatives and witnesses express disbelief and anger over the court's decision, questioning the value placed on human life and the driver's freedom.

The island of Rhodes is reeling from a decision that has ignited public fury: the release of a 44-year-old driver involved in a fatal crash. This individual, reportedly driving at excessive speeds and running a red light, is accused of causing the deaths of two women. The court's decision to release the driver has been met with disbelief and outrage, with many questioning the justice system's priorities.

The loss of their lives, with any involvement of mine, is a fact that has devastated me, has brought me to a miserable psychological and physical state and honestly I can barely apologize and defend myself, being literally crushed by their death.

— The accused driverThe driver's statement to judicial authorities, expressing his state of mind after the incident.

Witnesses recount the horrific moments of the crash, describing a vehicle speeding through an intersection against a red light, leading to a devastating head-on collision. The impact was so severe that the victims' car was thrown into the air. The delay in emergency services' arrival has also been highlighted, with some suggesting it sealed the victims' fate.

I can't believe it, it's unbelievable, it's tragic that such things happen and continue to happen. Especially when I learn that a person has caused an accident or accidents again.

— Cousin of the mother of one of the victimsSpeaking to MEGA and 'Live News', expressing shock and disbelief at the driver's release.

Relatives of the deceased have voiced their pain and anger, struggling to comprehend how such a tragedy could occur and how the driver responsible could be allowed to walk free. The sentiment is that the legal system has failed to adequately value human life, with one relative questioning the monetary compensation offered as a measure of a life lost. There is a deep-seated feeling that while the driver may not face severe legal punishment, they should at least experience some form of societal consequence.

I usually say that I trust the Greek justice system, but sometimes I believe they should look at things a little more clearly.

— Cousin of the mother of one of the victimsExpressing her nuanced view on the Greek justice system following the court's decision.

This incident has exposed a raw nerve in the community, raising critical questions about road safety, judicial decisions, and the perceived disconnect between the legal process and public sentiment. The local perspective is one of profound disappointment and a demand for accountability, feeling that justice has not been served for the victims and their families.

As I was walking, I heard a car approaching at very high speed. It sounded like the driver was accelerating hard, with loud engine noises. A few seconds later, I saw the car speeding past.

— WitnessDescribing the moments leading up to the fatal collision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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