London - A British plane spotter accused of spying in Greece could have his fight for freedom jeopardised by claims he was linked to Turkish intelligence services, an MEP supporter warned yesterday.
Greek foreign ministry officials were said to be taking a "serious" view of reports that Mr Paul Coppin, the leader of a 14-strong group of plane spotters held on spying charges for 24 days, was a guest of the Turkish armed forces in May this year.
He has been questioned by Greek authorities about the visit to an air show in Turkey but has denied spying or links with Turkish intelligence services, insisting he was there as an accredited aviation journalist. Mr Richard Howitt, MEP, said that two days ago in prison Mr Coppin had told him that he had been questioned about attending the air show.