Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Cyprus on Friday, marking the second anniversary of the Tempi train disaster that claimed 57 lives. Defying rain and cold, protesters carried banners reading “I have no oxygen” and “Justice for the 57,” demanding accountability for what they described as a preventable tragedy.

The largest protest took place at Eleftheria square in Nicosia, where Father Christodoulos Papayiannou, who tragically lost his son Kyprianos in the crash, gave an emotional speech that left the crowd in tears. Struggling to contain his grief, he condemned the authorities for their handling of the disaster and the neglect of victims’ families.

“They told me not to open the coffin,” he recalled, his voice shaking with sorrow. “They said I would not bear the sight. But I could not resist. I had to see my child.”

With visible anguish, he shared the heart-wrenching moment he saw his son’s severely burned body.

Despite efforts by officials to prevent him from identifying Kyprianos, “They wanted to keep us in the dark. They tried to hide the truth,” he added, as the crowd stood in silence, absorbing the pain of a father’s loss.

Even as storm warnings were issued by the Meteorological Service, the protesters refused to disperse. Instead, they chanted “We are the voice of the dead, the crime at Tempi will not be covered up!” The demonstration paused for a poignant moment of silence, before the names of each victim were read aloud. For every name, the crowd responded with “Present!”, a tribute that left many in tears.

In Paphos, mourners gathered at 28th October square for a solemn candlelit vigil. Fifty-seven candles were lit, each one symbolising the life of a victim, as their names were read aloud. Families, students, and elderly citizens stood together in shared grief, united by the tragic loss of young lives.

Among them was the family of Anastasia, another victim of the crash. Her parents, holding each other for support, embraced other grieving families, bound by a collective sorrow and unwavering resolve.

Protester Sophie Chambiourides voiced the frustration that weighed heavily on all present:

“For two years, we have been waiting for justice. The pain does not fade, and the silence must end. We demand answers, not excuses.”

Another demonstrator, Giorgos Kounas, called for public action, saying:

“This is not just about Greece. It is about all of us. Negligence like this must never be forgotten.”

Fani Charalambides, her voice filled with conviction, added:

“We came here today to demand justice for the Tempi victims. Only when justice is served can we find peace.”

One of the most significant protests in years unfolded in Larnaca’s Europe square, where hundreds gathered to show solidarity with the victims’ families. The demonstration featured poetry readings and speeches, with organisers stressing the global reach of the tragedy and its aftermath.

Hundreds gathered to show solidarity with the victims’ families, in Larnaca

“Today, Larnaca stands with the 388 cities around the world demanding justice for Témpi,” organisers declared. “We will not allow this tragedy to be forgotten.”

Protester Lucia Christodoulou captured the overwhelming emotion of the day, saying: “The entire society is grieving. We must wake up and hold those responsible accountable.”

The protests across Cyprus were monitored by law enforcement, who maintained a discreet presence to ensure peaceful demonstrations.