Builders are working feverishly to enlarge the Larissa courtroom where the key trial over the 2023 Tempe railway accident in which 57 people died is being held, following widespread complaints that the current premises are too cramped.
The trial opened on March 23, but came to a premature halt amid complaints from lawyers and relatives of the victims with the presiding judge only having managed to read out the names of five out of 36 defendants.
Work is now under way at the University of Thessaly’s conference center, where the trial is being held, to conjoin the main courtroom with a hall outside, thus boosting the available space to 366 square meters. In addition to that, an external hall at the entrance to the conference center that’s equipped with screens showing live footage of the trial provides 110 square meters of seating space for members of the public.
Officials hope the job will be finished by Wednesday, when the court is due to resume its sessions. Police will be detailed to ensure that lawyers and relatives of the victims have priority seating.
The 36 defendants are railway and Transport Ministry officials.