Cyprus Times

Panos Routsi on the Start of the Tempi Trial: "We Have a Little Way to Go, But Justice Will Come"

Published March 22, 2026, 20:09

Panos Routsi, father of a victim of the Tempi tragedy, expressed his anticipation for the start of the trial, while also stating that he expects high-ranking officials to be held accountable. He emphasized that the trial will not start as the relatives had expected, but it is important that it begins and he believes that justice will be served. He also referred to the issue of exhumation, noting that the costs are theirs and are very high. Mr. Routsi expressed his preference for the trial to be held in Athens or Thessaloniki, due to easier access, but their requests were rejected. He accused the government of trying to exhaust the relatives by burdening them with expenses. He stressed the importance of social pressure to achieve justice and called on the public to stand by them at every trial. In addition, he mentioned that the relatives must be united and not afraid, as he believes that justice will come. The trial begins tomorrow in Larissa, three years after the tragedy, and is expected to be a long and difficult process for the families of the victims.