Andrew Symeou's transfer to high security prison "heavy blow" (Enfield Liberal Democrats)

Enfield Liberal Democrats <info@enfieldlibdems.org.uk>

Andrew Symeou's transfer to high security prison "heavy blow"

December 3, 2009 9:10 AM
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP

Reacting to the news that Andrew Symeou, a Londoner in jail in Greece while he awaits trial on a charge related to the death of a fellow young Briton in a Greek nightclub, was yesterday moved to a high-security prison, Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman and London MEP Sarah Ludford said:

"I was horrified to hear that Andrew, who should be released on bail and not in prison in the first place, was yesterday transferred to maximum security Korydallos prison in Athens."

"The prison is well-known for being overcrowded, for treating detainees inhumanely, for minimum hygiene levels and staff shortages. Amnesty International has declared it to be one of the worst prisons in Europe. To add insult to injury, Andrew was only given 5 minutes' warning of this decision."

"I have campaigned hard for Andrew, and this incomprehensible move comes as a heavy blow. We must do all we can to convince Greek authorities that Andrew should be granted bail just like any Greek citizen in his situation would be granted bail. This inequality in defendants' rights across the EU needs to be rectified."

ENDS