Plane-spotters’ fate fires British media
As a visiting British Euro MP yesterday expressed general satisfaction with the holding conditions of 12 UK planespotters held for over three weeks on charges of espionage, the UK press voiced outrage at the group’s continued detention. The Daily Mail tabloid advised its readers to boycott Greek products to have the innocent Britons released. The paper published an article by Heather Saunders, widow of the British military attache in Athens assassinated last June by November 17 terrorists, which accused investigating Greek authorities of incompetence. Even the quality British press joined in, with The Spectator weekly’s leader today being headed Greek paranoia. The piece calls for Britain to threaten a boycott of the 2004 Olympics if only on grounds of inadequate security. After visiting the 11 British men in jail near Nafplion, Euro MP Richard Howitt said he was satisfied with their conditions but worried about them sleeping on mattresses on the floor.
