Greek relations hang in balance over verdict on plane-spotters

Date: 25/04/02

By Martin Banks

A VERDICT is expected tomorrow (26 April) in the case of the 14 EU plane-spotters on trial in Greece for alleged spying.

The 12 Britons and two Dutch nationals are alleged to have been taking photographs inside a restricted military zone at an air show in south-east Greece. They all deny the charge, which carries a maximum five-year jail sentence in Greece.

The 13 men and one woman spent a total of 37 days in custody before being released on bail shortly before Christmas.

British Labour MEP Richard Howitt, who has taken up their case, gave evidence at their trial.

He said: 'These people are of good character. They are not spies. They did not take photographs, they did not ignore warnings.

'It is fanciful rubbish to suggest these people are spies. They are palpably innocent.'

Photographing military installations is strictly forbidden in Greece, which has long-standing tensions with Turkey.

There have been warnings in the European Parliament that unless they are acquitted, there could be serious consequences for UK and Dutch relations with Greece.

A verdict is expected on 26 April 2002 in the case of the 14 EU plane-spotters on trial in Greece for alleged spying.