Mass Greek Protests Erupt

Violence erupts as Athens mourns train crash victims

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Posted Feb 28, 2025 10:57 AM CST

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Mass Greek Protests Erupt — A hooded protester throws a stone against riot police at the Greek Parliament in central Athens, Greece to mark two years since a deadly rail disaster that has also triggered hundreds of other demonstrations and a general strike, on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Protesters clashed with police in Athens to mark the second anniversary of a train crash that killed 57 people. Authorities made 41 arrests, and 20 people needed medical attention. Demonstrations, among the largest since Greece's debt crisis, occurred in over 300 locations. Protests called for accountability and rail safety improvements. Participants expressed public resentment towards the government's perceived inaction.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis promised rail safety efforts amid rising political tensions. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds during clashes at notable sites, including Hadrian's Arch. Strikes disrupted flights, rail services, and ferries, affecting public transport and businesses. Unions backed the protests, supported by labor leader Yannis Panagopoulos and other workers.

The February 28, 2023, crash was due to human error, outdated infrastructure, and systemic failures. Panagopoulos, president of the General Confederation of Greek Workers, said, "The full truth must come to light, and those responsible, no matter how high their position, must be held accountable." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)