Panos Ruci Ends 23-Day Hunger Strike Over Tempe Crash: “The Struggle Continues”

Panos Ruci, the grieving father of one of the victims of the 2023 Tempe train crash, has ended his 23-day hunger strike, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing pursuit of justice for the 57 lives lost in one of Greece’s worst rail disasters.

“The hunger strike ends today. The struggle continues until the end,” Ruci announced on Tuesday afternoon outside the Hellenic Parliament, visibly frail but resolute.

“I thank Dimitris, Vassilis, Lina, and the doctors who took care of me.”

The 23-day protest captured national attention and drew widespread public support. It was rooted in a father’s unwavering demand: the exhumation of his son Denis Ruci’s body for independent DNA and toxicological testing, under full transparency and the supervision of technical advisers chosen by the family.

Demand for Transparency After Tragedy

Denis Ruci, a young student, was among the dozens of passengers who perished on February 28, 2023, in the head-on collision between a passenger and freight train near Tempe, in central Greece. The tragedy shocked the nation, exposing systemic failures in rail safety, signaling infrastructure, and political accountability.

Panos Ruci has since emerged as a symbol of perseverance and resistance, demanding not only personal answers but institutional reform and justice for all victims’ families.

“I ask for complete transparency — that all tests be carried out and that our own technical advisers participate,” he had said earlier during his protest.

“This isn’t just about Denis. It’s about every victim, every parent, every citizen who deserves to know the truth.”

Victory and Vigilance: A Turning Point

The conclusion of the hunger strike came with concrete developments: a renewed investigation into the causes of Denis Ruci’s death has been ordered, and the existing 3,000-page case file is reportedly being withdrawn and reassessed.

“Panos’ struggle defeated obscurantism and cover-up,” said his lawyer, Zoe Konstantopoulou, former Speaker of Parliament and current leader of the Course of Freedom political party.

“This is a victory of light over darkness.”

Konstantopoulou explained that procedures hastily launched by the Larissa Prosecutor’s Office are being canceled, and that a new, independent inquiry into the fatal crash — including all possible causes and official omissions — will now move forward.

“The case files are being retrieved, and the investigation into the causes of Denis’ death is being reopened. This is the first step in ensuring that justice is no longer deferred.”

Public Response and Political Reverberations

The hunger strike triggered waves of public solidarity, with thousands of citizens, students, and families of other victims participating in vigils and rallies. A new demonstration is planned for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Syntagma Square, with Ruci calling on supporters to join him in what he termed “a great victory, even a little.”

“Our presence will show that this is not over,” he said. “It’s just beginning.”

The case has also reignited scrutiny of the Greek justice system and government transparency, with opposition parties criticizing initial attempts to close or downplay parts of the investigation. The tragedy continues to weigh heavily on public trust in state institutions.

Background: A National Wound Still Open

The Tempe rail disaster remains a national trauma in Greece. Investigations since 2023 have faced allegations of delays, mismanagement, and political interference. Whistleblowers and railway union representatives had warned for months prior to the crash about inadequate safety systems, understaffing, and miscommunication between rail operators.

Multiple ministers resigned in the wake of the disaster, but families of victims have continued to demand full accountability, not just scapegoats.

What Comes Next

The renewed investigation is expected to focus not only on the immediate circumstances of the crash but also on broader issues of state negligence, regulatory failure, and forensic accuracy in the identification and examination of remains.

Lawyers and technical experts from across Europe may now become involved, given the international attention the case has received and the growing calls for independent oversight.

For Panos Ruci, the end of his hunger strike marks a pause in physical protest — but not in his fight for truth.“Justice delayed is justice denied. But now, the door is open. We will not let them close it again.”

Source: pagenews.gr