Greek Court Delays Tempi Train Disaster Trial Over Dual Prosecution Issues

The Tripartite Criminal Court of Larissa is considering a suspension of the trial of 16 former and current ERGOS officials accused in the 2023 Tempi train disaster. Defense lawyers argue that the same acts are already under investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EUPO) in the separate case concerning contract 717, a EU‑funded railway signalling upgrade, and warn of double jeopardy.

The court has scheduled additional hearings for September (7‑9, 14‑16, 21‑22, 29‑30) and October (5‑7, 12‑14, 19‑20, 26‑27). Defendants are seeking an adjournment until the EUPO case is resolved, citing the risk of duplicate proceedings and the principle of res judicata under Article 57 of the Greek Code of Criminal Procedure. The EUPO investigation focuses on alleged fraud and misuse of EU funds linked to contract 717.

If the court grants a suspension, the trial on the criminal charges of endangering railway safety—charges that resulted in many fatalities—will be postponed pending the outcome of the EUPO’s financial crime probe.