Tens of thousands of people gathered in Athens to mark the second anniversary of a train crash that killed 57, sparking widespread protests across Greece. The demonstration was attended by over 170,000 people, with more than 325,000 taking part nationwide.
Protesters claimed the government was involved in a cover-up of evidence, hindering investigations into the incident. Greek riot police deployed tear gas and stun grenades to disperse a group throwing Molotov cocktails and stones.
The government has denied allegations of a cover-up, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis dismissing calls to resign as attempts to destabilize the country. A general strike, backed by private-sector unions, paralyzed public transport and caused school closures, shop closures also occurred.
The train crash occurred two years ago when a passenger train from Athens collided with a freight train carrying an alleged illegal load of explosives. An experts’ report funded by victims’ families suggested the incident was linked to inadequate safety measures. Greece’s opposition parties are set to call a no-confidence vote next week, amid public discontent over government handling of the crash.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/greece-mass-protests-on-anniversary-of-tempi-train-crash/a-71785209