Greeks launch prison investigation

Greek officials today launched an investigation after the alleged leader of the November 17 terror group complained about his treatment in a maximum security jail.

Alexandros Giotopoulos said warders at the Korydallos prison near Athens only let him out of his cell for a limited time each day, and that he was only allowed an hour a day with his lawyers.

"In general, we live in conditions that offend the very value of a human being, beyond it being illegal," he said in a statement.

"To the degree that this situation continues, it is certain that our personality will be weakened and it will be impossible to defend ourselves. Therefore, there is no point in discussing a fair trial."

He added that the prison uniforms were designed to be "humiliating".

Police have described 58-year-old Giotopoulos as the "ideological" leader of November 17, which has been linked to 23 murders since 1975 - including the assassination of a British military attache two years ago.

Brigadier Stephen Saunders was gunned down as he drove to work in Athens.

A bungled bombing in late June led to 15 arrests of suspected November 17 members. The group this week warned of a backlash - including possible kidnappings - if it believes the jailed suspects are treated unfairly.

Giotopoulos has denied any connection to November 17.