Tempi trial: Tensions flare, alleged assault disrupts hearing

The trial for the Tempi train disaster saw heightened tensions during the 22nd court session, as defense lawyer Dimitris Ioannidis requested the annulment of the indictment. Ioannidis argued against the inclusion of Stella Kolopoulou, questioning the legal basis for her prosecution and stating that Samaras's hiring was unrelated to any negligence in the accident.

“

Why is Ms. Kolopoulou reaching the courtroom?

Zacharias Stournaras, a director in the Hellenic Railways (OSE) maintenance department, denied the charges against him and reiterated the request for the indictment's annulment. Stournaras had previously drawn public attention for two incidents following the railway tragedy: first, for signaling an end to journalists' questions directed at the then Deputy Minister of Transport, Michalis Papadopoulos, and second, for stating on camera that he was not afraid to board a train after the accident, without clarifying his senior position at OSE.

“

There is no breach of duty without a principal offender.

The proceedings were interrupted when Nikos Plakias, the father of one of the victims, allegedly directed insults and physically attacked Stournaras outside the courtroom. Plakias reportedly shouted at Stournaras and his lawyers, calling them names and accusing them of defending the accused. Following this incident, Ioannidis reported that Plakias had kicked Stournaras.

“

You don't learn, scum, are these the ones you came to defend? The fool, the scoundrel, Papadopoulos's thug, came here too.

Four of the 36 defendants were present at the hearing: Ioannis Paliothodoros, Pavlos Kouzis, Spyros Pateras, and Zacharias Stournaras.

“

kicked