The members of Rubicon who were on trial for their intervention on the roof of the Hellenic Train offices on the day of the mass demonstration for the tragedy in Tempi on February 28 were acquitted today of all serious charges.
The Single-Member Misdemeanor Court of Athens fully adopted the prosecutor's proposal, acquitting the defendants of the misdemeanors of disturbance of domestic peace and of illegal possession/use of flares. A single conviction was imposed on 18 of them for refusal to provide fingerprints.
The decision caused intense emotion both inside and outside the courtroom, as three relatives of victims of the tragedy in Tempi testified in favor of the members of Rubicon, reinforcing the moral basis for the intervention.
«This trial is an insult to our relatives., »For a banner, when others are responsible for 57 deaths and are free," said Theodoros Eleftheriadis, son of a victim of the tragedy, with intense emotion.
Η Maria Dolka, mother of Anastasia Papangelis, victim of the accident, said:
«I thank these children. When I saw the banner, I felt that someone remembers my Anastasia.».
A similar stance was taken by Katerina Voutsina, sister of Yannis Voutsinas, saying:
«There was no damage, they didn't hurt anyone. I ask that you acquit them for the sake of my brother's memory.».
It is also noteworthy that the building's security officer, who had filed the lawsuit, testified as a witness and not as a litigant, saying that no damage or disturbance was observed, nor did he know the origin of the flares.
In his defense, the George Kalaitzidis, a member of the organization, noted:
«Not a single person suggested, “Should we not file a lawsuit?” We are not criminals; we are seeking justice for the 57 people who died. We will pursue this to the end.».
Today's trial, which many have described as political farce, once again revealed the enormous moral and political vacuum left by the Tembon case, with state and judicial impunity remaining in the spotlight and public outrage seeking an outlet.
The defendants' apology was made by the well-known member of the organization, George Kalaitzidis:
«To the question “why did you go to Hellenic Train”, the answer is “where else could we go”? This company took over the trains in Greece for a pittance, could have done a lot but didn't, so we're going to those responsible,» he said, describing the company as the most «hated in Greece.".
And even though all this has happened, they are suing us. It's amazing that no one thought to ask, “Guys, is it really a good idea to sue?” I'm amazed by that. Not about whether they're good people, but about the fact that no one smart came forward. (...) To avoid any trouble, we bought flares from a toy store so we wouldn't be charged with illegal flares, but in the end, we are.
When they brought us down to the building, there was not a soul in sight. The peace of an empty building was disturbed. The president of Hellenic Train was disturbed... Apart from the fact that we did not enter the building... the purpose of the organization is to seek justice for the 57 dead. We will see this through to the end. Even if it means going to prison. Whatever happens, we will seek justice for the 57.»
