Plane spotters 'may be released'

Ccampaigners on behalf of 12 British plane spotters being held in Greece on suspicion of spying are hopeful that the group will be released this week.

Richard Howitt, a Labour MEP, said Greek lawyers representing the group had told him that a panel of judges was expected to rule on the case in the next few days.

Mr Howitt, who has been involved in the case since the group was arrested a month ago after allegedly taking notes and photographs of a Greek airforce base, says he has no doubt the judges will conclude that those detained are not spies and release them in time for Christmas. "We are optimistic for a decision this week," said Mr Howitt.

"There is no new evidence. The only question the judges have to decide is why these people were doing what they were doing. I think there can only be one conclusion."

Mr Howitt has criticised Greek officials for not dealing with the case quickly enough. He said the officials are not biased, however, and dismisses any suggestion of a conspiracy. But there are fears that a bureaucratic mix-up could jeopardise a pre-Christmas release.

Yannis Zacharias, the defence lawyer for the accused, said yesterday that the decision is being delayed because the council of judges which has been assigned to look at the case has not convened because a document drawn up by investigating magistrate Socrates Gavalas has not been delivered.

"Due to this we have already lost about two weeks and are now battling to get them home in time for Christmas," Mr Zacharias said.

Relatives of the 12 say they are increasingly concerned about the detainees' medical and emotional state.