The trial concerning the Tempe rail disaster continues today (23 June 2026) at the Three-Member Court of Appeal for Felonies in Larissa, following submissions by defence attorneys on the prosecutor’s proposal for audiovisual coverage and live broadcasting of proceedings — as well as on the request for all defendants to appear in person. The court rejected both requests.
Defendants Not Required to Attend at This Stage
The presiding judge stated that the court considers the request for defendants’ physical presence premature and has reserved judgment, indicating it may revisit the issue once the evidentiary phase begins. The prosecutor had previously recommended rejecting the request, noting that such attendance is not required under criminal procedural rules at this stage.
Most Defendants Absent, Represented by Counsel
The majority of the accused are not attending the trial in person but are represented by their lawyers, in accordance with standard criminal procedure. However, lawyers representing victims’ relatives had urged the court to mandate the defendants’ physical presence, arguing that the gravity of the case warrants their direct appearance in the courtroom.
The trial proceeds with new motions being filed.