Larissa Court Bars Bar Associations' Aid in Tempi Train Trial

The Coordinating Committee of the Presidents of Greece's Bar Associations condemned the Larissa Criminal Court Appeals' decision to reject their legal‑aid statements in the trial over the Tempi train disaster. The court, by a narrow 2‑1 majority with the committee's president dissenting, ruled the bar’s submissions inadmissible despite the prosecutor’s recommendation.

The court accepted instead the Greek State’s statement and the allegations concerning breach of duty for three of the 36 accused. The bar committee argued the ruling contradicts established jurisprudence, citing the Supreme Court’s decision no. 6/2026 and the provision allowing professional bodies to file political‑action statements in matters of national, social, cultural or economic interest.