Mother of traffic victim attends parliament as emotions flare over justice and accountability

A touching moment occurred in the Greek Parliament when Jason’s mother, a young man who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident near the Parliament building, attended a plenary session.

Jason died when his motorbike collided with a vehicle escorting New Democracy (ND) MP Dora Bakoyannis on Vasilissis Sofias Street. This incident ignited public outrage and calls for accountability.

Zoe Konstantopoulou, president of the Freedom Sailing party (Plefsi Eleftherias), acknowledged Jason’s mother in the chamber and vehemently criticized the handling of the incident. She accused the former Speaker of Parliament of trying to protect the police officer responsible for the escort vehicle from facing consequences. Konstantopoulou claimed there was a concerted effort to cover up the incident and allow the officer to evade punishment.

In reply, ND parliamentary representative Thanos Plevris shared a personal story about losing his own mother in a traffic accident. He recalled her last words, in which she forgave the driver who struck her, believing it was a genuine mistake. Out of respect for her wishes, Plevris chose not to pursue charges, although the driver was still held accountable under Greek law for involuntary manslaughter.

Addressing Konstantopoulou, Plevris stressed the importance of treating grieving families with honesty and clarity. He explained that Greek law classifies fatal traffic accidents under involuntary manslaughter, imposing appropriate penalties. “The legal treatment of these cases is standard,” he stated, “and we must not misrepresent it to a grieving mother.”

He added that since the incident, the penal code has been revised: those found guilty of involuntary manslaughter may only serve part of their sentence, with stricter penalties aimed at promoting more responsible driving.

Plevris concluded with a call for compassion rather than political rivalry in addressing such tragedies: “We need to respond to the loss of life not by competing over who suffers more, but with understanding and respect for justice.”