Roma couple may get bail if charges are reduced

A Roma couple charged with abducting a four-year-old girl in Greece want the charge reduced to illegal adoption.

The blonde, blue-eyed girl was found living in a gypsy camp in the centre of Greece last week.

The child, known only as Maria, is the subject of an international police inquiry after Greek police released her photograph at the weekend, appealing for her parents to come forward.

Athens-based reporter, George Hatzidakis, said the 40-year-old woman and 39-year-old man could be released if the lesser charge is applied.

Mr Hatzidakis said: "The husband and the wife have asked for the charges against them to be changed from the charge of abduction to illegal adoption.

"If the charges are changed by the magistrates to illegal adoption then they will be allowed to be released on bail."