Tempi Trial: Calls for TV Coverage and Defendant Appearances Central to Proceedings

The trial concerning the deadly train crash at Tempi is proceeding with key requests from the victims' legal representatives focused on media coverage and the physical presence of the accused. Lawyers for the prosecution are pushing for audiovisual coverage and broadcasting of the court sessions, as well as demanding that all defendants appear in person.

In the previous session, the prosecutor recommended rejecting both requests. The defense lawyers are expected to present their arguments today, after which the court will rule on the prosecution's proposals. This follows the court's earlier rejection of requests to forward trial records to a special investigator handling the case of the former Minister of Transport, Kostas Karamanlis, and to obtain communication documents concerning the Hellenic Public's representation.

The court has now moved past the procedural stage of legitimization, and subsequent hearings will address the lawyers' requests. Relatives of victims, injured passengers, and the Hellenic Public have formally joined the proceedings. The Public's intervention, however, is limited to supporting the charges against three station masters and the head of the Larissa inspection department at the time of the accident.

A total of 36 individuals, including officials and employees from various railway organizations and the Ministry of Transport, face charges. These stem from alleged omissions in implementing a key signaling contract (717), oversight of the rail network, station master reassignments, operational procedures at the Larissa station on the night of the accident, and a lack of safety measures on the specific rail section where the crash occurred. The charges include dangerous interference with transport, multiple counts of involuntary manslaughter, and causing bodily harm through negligence.