Associated Press
ATHENS, Greece — A group of British and Dutch "plane spotters" jailed on espionage charges will likely be released soon, Greece’s foreign minister said Wednesday.
George Papandreou said the 12 Britons and two Dutch could be cleared once authorities fully understand spotters’ "passion" of observing planes and airfields.
"This is a hobby that doesn’t exist in Greece. … I am confident that the judges and prosecutors will keep that in mind," he said.
In London, Prime Minister Tony Blair said he hoped the case could be resolved "as swiftly and satisfactorily as possible."
"Most people who look at this will understand that these people are indeed tourists," he said.
Greek authorities on Tuesday ordered the group to remain jailed until a three-judge panel rules whether to set a trial date or drop the charges, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The ruling could come in 10 days.
The group was arrested Nov. 9 after attending air force day at a military airfield in Kalamata, about 150 miles southwest of Athens. They had also observed activities at other Greek bases.
Their excursion was organized by a British tour agency that arranges trips to air shows and air force facilities. The tour organizer, Paul Coppin, was among those arrested.
Defense attorneys said no one in the group broke the ban on photographing the bases.
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