Nikos Plakias, whose twin daughters died in the Tempe train crash, has called for peaceful demonstrations on February 28, marking the second anniversary of the tragedy.
In a social media post, Mr. Plakias emphasized that the gatherings should remain non-political and focused solely on justice for the 57 victims.
“The road is still long. Let’s not destroy what we’ve built with so much effort over these two years,” Mr. Plakias wrote.
He explained that he will not be able to join the protests in Athens or Thessaloniki, where thousands are expected to gather, as he plans to be at the site where his daughters took their last breath.
Mr. Plakias stressed that any political party or agenda should not exploit the demonstrations.
“We are not going down to the streets for any political party or political exploitation, no matter where it comes from. We are going for a peaceful protest and nothing else. Anything else that happens will be against us. Let’s make the 57 proud as they watch us from above,” he wrote.
His post was accompanied by a collage of the 57 victims, titled “The souls of the train are forever with us.”
Mr. Plakias called for unity, stating, “History has taught us that when Greeks are united, they never lose. Let Friday be the day when no one has to fight for their rights anymore.
Let it be the day when every responsible person, no matter how high their position, is finally held accountable.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude to all of Greece and reiterating the need for an independent, fair, and just justice system.
“We will fight for this and nothing else,” he wrote.
The February 28 protests aim to honor the victims and demand accountability, while maintaining a peaceful and unified stance.