Dimitris Vervesos, president of the Athens Bar Association, recently stated in a memo to the appellate investigator that “the Greek public has been left with the impression that the Tempi crime has been tainted by an attempt to mislead.” However, within days, it was revealed that he had been in possession of expert investigator Anastasios Dedes‘ report since January 2024—a report that debunked all conspiracy theories surrounding the fireball that erupted immediately after the train collision. Despite having ordered the report himself, Vervesos merely submitted it to the investigator handling the case while continuing to speak of a “cover-up,” even though the report clearly stated that the fire was caused by the train collision, the electric arc generated, and the combustion of the transformer oils in the locomotive engine of the passenger train.

The Bar Association’s Statement on the Dedes Report

In a February 28, 2024, memorandum to the appellate investigator, the Plenary Session of Greek Bar Associations stated:

“Mr. Investigator,

The country’s Bar Associations stand as allies in your serious, complex, and difficult task. Unfortunately, a year after the accident, the reasonable timeframe for investigation is reaching its limits.

In support of this effort, the Plenary Session of the Presidents of the Greek Bar Associations appointed expert investigator Mr. Anastasios H. Dedes, a mechanical engineer listed as an expert witness for the Athens and Piraeus prosecutors, as a Technical Consultant. He was assigned to investigate the Tempi railway disaster of February 28, 2023.

Mr. Dedes prepared the ‘Technical Consultant Report’ in January 2024, which we are submitting today. This report, through a thorough, objective, and scientific analysis, examines the circumstances of the Tempi accident and reaches specific conclusions that will aid in uncovering the truth, verifying the actual events, and supporting the investigative and judicial process.”