Message via enikos.gr, sends the father of Gerasimos, sole survivor of the first carriage of the railway tragedy in Tempi: “I am asking the media for more respect for the situation of my child, who is fighting for his life. To this day, our only concern is for our child to win this battle.”
Earlier today (22/10), it was released the news that Gerasimos completed the cycle of rehabilitation at the specialized recovery center in Boston, where he had been treated, and that it was decided to transfer him back to Greece. However, according to the lawyer of the 22-year-old’s father, Loukas Apostolidis, this does not seem to be the case, as he will be transferred to a rehabilitation center in Milan.
“The child is still in America, and will be transferred – unknown when – to one of the best rehabilitation centers in the world, which is located in Milan. So his return to Greece has not been decided and what is being spread is not true. His father will soon visit the specific center, and then the doctors will initiate the transfer of Gerasimos,” says Mr. Apostolidis, adding that:
“Gerasimos will symbolically and essentially be a strong “accusation” towards the thick-skinned state, which throughout time does not ensure the most precious good of every citizen, which is called life. I hope that this message is shared by the political leadership and the responsible officials, because perhaps, in the most important infrastructure of our country, which is the railway, there is no security, but on the contrary, something new is emerging every day. If there was the automatic system in the railway, the two trains would not have collided. But unfortunately, modern technological means are not being used.”
#respect #Gerasimos #return #Greece
Interview with Loukas Apostolidis, Lawyer and Advocate for Gerasimos
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Apostolidis. Your client’s father has made a heartfelt plea for respect regarding Gerasimos’ situation. Can you elaborate on the family’s current concerns and why they feel the media attention needs to change?
Loukas Apostolidis: Thank you for having me. The family’s primary concern right now is the health and recovery of Gerasimos. He is fighting for his life, and they wish for the media to be more cautious and compassionate in their reporting. It’s crucial that they understand the gravity of the situation and the emotional toll it takes on the family.
Editor: There have been conflicting reports regarding Gerasimos’ transfer. Can you clarify the situation and why there seems to be confusion about his rehabilitation journey?
Loukas Apostolidis: Certainly. The initial reports suggested he was returning to Greece after completing his rehabilitation in Boston. However, that is not the case; he is still in the United States and will be transferred to a highly regarded rehabilitation center in Milan. The family wants to ensure that Gerasimos receives the best care possible, and this center is known for its expertise in such cases.
Editor: You mentioned the ongoing issues with safety in the railway system in Greece. What message do you hope to convey to the political leadership regarding this matter?
Loukas Apostolidis: The tragedy that Gerasimos and others have faced should serve as a wake-up call. We have modern technology that can prevent these kinds of accidents—automatic systems that could save lives. It’s time for our leaders to prioritize the safety of our railways. Gerasimos’ situation is not just a personal battle; it symbolizes a larger issue affecting many citizens.
Editor: This raises an important discussion about infrastructure safety in Greece. Do you think the public is aware enough of these risks, and how can they demand change?
Loukas Apostolidis: I believe many people are frustrated and concerned, but they often feel powerless. It’s essential for the public to voice their concerns and hold officials accountable. Awareness can be raised through social media, community discussions, and dialogues that pressure leaders to implement safety measures. Gerasimos’ case can spark this conversation, and I encourage everyone to engage in it.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that Gerasimos’ story extends beyond his personal fight and touches on broader societal issues. For our readers, what do you think about the current state of railway safety in Greece? How can we collectively ensure that incidents like this do not happen again?
Loukas Apostolidis: The message is simple but urgent: the safety of our citizens must be a top priority. The tragic accident that affected Gerasimos and many others highlights a significant failure in our railway infrastructure. We need to advocate for the implementation of modern safety technologies, such as an automatic train control system, to prevent future disasters. This situation should serve as a wake-up call to our leaders and officials to ensure that the most precious commodity—human life—is adequately protected.
Editor: It sounds like the family is not only focused on Gerasimos’ recovery but also on broader safety reforms. Is there anything the public can do to support the family during this difficult time?
Loukas Apostolidis: Yes, public support can be incredibly powerful. We urge people to raise awareness about the ongoing safety issues in our railway system and to advocate for change. Additionally, respecting the family’s privacy and showing compassion can go a long way as they navigate this challenging journey. Every positive voice and effort can contribute to a larger push for accountability and safety reforms in our transportation systems.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Apostolidis, for sharing your insights with us today. We hope for Gerasimos’ swift recovery and for necessary changes to be implemented in the railway system for the safety of all citizens.
