It's illigal to play games

[Sadico 1]

Greeks, it's time to get a weapon and fight oppression!!!!

[Paratrooper 0]

What is next from the people who imprison plane spotters?

[bn880 5]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KingBeast @ Aug. 31 2002,09:35)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">how come there is absolutely no mention of this law on the BBC? <span id='postcolor'>

Probably because they don't want to cause you guys to think too much.

It's not on the news in North America that I know of.

[-TU--33ker 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (RalphWiggum @ Aug. 31 2002,05:20)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">suddenly, Germany's ban on CS doesn't look so bad.....  <span id='postcolor'>

CS isn't banned in germany.

and if it would be, u alwas can get it easily via internet

but the dumb politicians never get it!

i don't think this law will be very successful in greece as long as the internet isn't prohibited, too

[Major Fubar 0]

This is what happens when you have too many technophobes/technologically ignorant individuals in a government... They simply don't understand the technology well enough to effectively pass laws about it.

[ran 0]

AUX BARRICADES ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

[Ex-RoNiN 0]

Ok, chill everyone, I had a read through the law, and the deal is the following:

- Interactive Entertainment is not banned as such

- Public places need to purchase a license to allow for public gaming

- Private places do not need to purchase a license as long as the occupant is the only person playing. Should a mate come over, they need to purchase a license! Yes, occupant+guest playing = pay or the occupant can be arrested

- This law has nothing to do with Interactive Entertainment/Gaming - it is merely another cash cow they are trying to milk

It was passed on July 30th, '02.

I wonder how long it will take for the EU to stamp on them hard

Paratrooper, the plane spotters were arrested because they violated our law. Simple as that. Doesn't matter who they are or what they were doing. Only thing that matters is that they were violating the law.

[Guest]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Ex-RoNiN @ Aug. 31 2002,18:30)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Paratrooper, the plane spotters were arrested because they violated our law. Simple as that. Doesn't matter who they are or what they were doing. Only thing that matters is that they were violating the law.<span id='postcolor'>

Yes, I agree they got what they deserved. If you are stupid enough to hang around military airbases after you have been warned not to then you deserve to go to jail.

[ralphwiggum 6]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Ex-RoNiN @ Aug. 31 2002,18:30)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">- Private places do not need to purchase a license as long as the occupant is the only person playing. Should a mate come over, they need to purchase a license! Yes, occupant+guest playing = pay or the occupant can be arrested<span id='postcolor'>

dumbest law....so you and your bro playing requires license if you donot live together..

and ex-ronin, how come a turkish like you can read greek?

[Paratrooper 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Ex-RoNiN @ Aug. 31 2002,18:30)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Paratrooper, the plane spotters were arrested because they violated our law. Simple as that. Doesn't matter who they are or what they were doing. Only thing that matters is that they were violating the law.<span id='postcolor'>

Then the law is at fault, as is the prosecution of it. The letter of the law is worthless so long as it's spirit is ignored.

[Warin 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Paratrooper @ Aug. 31 2002,18:57)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Ex-RoNiN @ Aug. 31 2002,18:30)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Paratrooper, the plane spotters were arrested because they violated our law. Simple as that. Doesn't matter who they are or what they were doing. Only thing that matters is that they were violating the law.<span id='postcolor'>

Then the law is at fault, as is the prosecution of it. The letter of the law is worthless so long as it's spirit is ignored.<span id='postcolor'>

They werent arrested for plane spotting. They were arrested for trespassing. And that's a pretty cut and dried law.. both in the concept and in the 'spirit' of it.

[ralphwiggum 6]

Para, if some fat ass yank went to a RAF base and went for planespotting, but was ordered onec to get out, but stayed anyway and get arrested, would you call it unfair?

or instead of a yank, how about an Argentinian or a French?

[Paratrooper 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Warin @ Aug. 31 2002,19:02)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Paratrooper @ Aug. 31 2002,18:57)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Ex-RoNiN @ Aug. 31 2002,18:30)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Paratrooper, the plane spotters were arrested because they violated our law. Simple as that. Doesn't matter who they are or what they were doing. Only thing that matters is that they were violating the law.<span id='postcolor'>

Then the law is at fault, as is the prosecution of it. The letter of the law is worthless so long as it's spirit is ignored.<span id='postcolor'>

They werent arrested for plane spotting. They were arrested for trespassing.  And that's a pretty cut and dried law.. both in the concept and in the 'spirit' of it.<span id='postcolor'>

I don't really want to debate the case but they were arrested for illegal photography and taking down notes of plane numbers.

Besides they shouldn't have been held once their status became clear. I don't support them because I like plane spotting, or because like the national papers I feel the need to support imprisoned Brits abroad. I'm just saying that like the 'game licence' law the Greek authorities got this wrong.

[Warin 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Paratrooper @ Aug. 31 2002,19:08)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">2--></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Warin @ Aug. 31 2002,192)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Paratrooper @ Aug. 31 2002,18:57)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Ex-RoNiN @ Aug. 31 2002,18:30)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Paratrooper, the plane spotters were arrested because they violated our law. Simple as that. Doesn't matter who they are or what they were doing. Only thing that matters is that they were violating the law.<span id='postcolor'>

Then the law is at fault, as is the prosecution of it. The letter of the law is worthless so long as it's spirit is ignored.<span id='postcolor'>

They werent arrested for plane spotting. They were arrested for trespassing.  And that's a pretty cut and dried law.. both in the concept and in the 'spirit' of it.<span id='postcolor'>

I don't really want to debate the case but they were arrested for illegal photography and taking down notes of plane numbers.

Besides they shouldn't have been held once their status became clear. I don't support them because I like plane spotting, or because like the national papers I feel the need to support imprisoned Brits abroad. I'm just saying that like the 'game licence' law the Greek authorities got this wrong.<span id='postcolor'>

It's their country.

There is no rule against stupid laws.

And being British doesnt give you carte blanche to do whatever the hell you want. What?

[Paratrooper 0]

5--></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (RalphWiggum @ Aug. 31 2002,195)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Para, if some fat ass yank went to a RAF base and went for planespotting, but was ordered onec to get out, but stayed anyway and get arrested, would you call it unfair?

or instead of a yank, how about an Argentinian or a French?<span id='postcolor'>

Thats not what happened though. I have nothing against anyone plane spotting in Britain, the whole point is that it isn't a danger to national security!

And why are you inferring I am some kind of xenophobe? I have French freinds! Please don't.  

[Paratrooper 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Warin @ Aug. 31 2002,19:11)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">8--></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Paratrooper @ Aug. 31 2002,198)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Warin @ Aug. 31 2002,19<!--emo&)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Paratrooper @ Aug. 31 2002,18:57)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Ex-RoNiN @ Aug. 31 2002,18:30)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Paratrooper, the plane spotters were arrested because they violated our law. Simple as that. Doesn't matter who they are or what they were doing. Only thing that matters is that they were violating the law.<span id='postcolor'>

Then the law is at fault, as is the prosecution of it. The letter of the law is worthless so long as it's spirit is ignored.<span id='postcolor'>

They werent arrested for plane spotting. They were arrested for trespassing.  And that's a pretty cut and dried law.. both in the concept and in the 'spirit' of it.<span id='postcolor'>

I don't really want to debate the case but they were arrested for illegal photography and taking down notes of plane numbers.

Besides they shouldn't have been held once their status became clear. I don't support them because I like plane spotting, or because like the national papers I feel the need to support imprisoned Brits abroad. I'm just saying that like the 'game licence' law the Greek authorities got this wrong.<span id='postcolor'>

It's their country.

There is no rule against stupid laws.

And being British doesnt give you carte blanche to do whatever the hell you want.  What?<span id='postcolor'>

I can critisise a stupid law!

I didn't say they could do whatever they want, just that these stupid berks in anoracks are clearly not a danger to Greece or anywhere else!

[Warin 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Paratrooper @ Aug. 31 2002,19:11)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (RalphWiggum @ Aug. 31 2002,19)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Para, if some fat ass yank went to a RAF base and went for planespotting, but was ordered onec to get out, but stayed anyway and get arrested, would you call it unfair?

or instead of a yank, how about an Argentinian or a French?<span id='postcolor'>

Thats not what happened though. I have nothing against anyone plane spotting in Britain, the whole point is that it isn't a danger to national security!

And why are you inferring I am some kind of xenophobe? I have French freinds! Please don't.  <!--emo&<span id='postcolor'>

LOL. I have to ask..was that statement meant to sound that funny?

And I know you arent a xenophobe. You just have the typical British arrogance that you're somehow better than the rest of the world. Trust me, as a Canadian I know that feeling. The difference is, I am right

[KingBeast 0]

I always thoguht the people were arrested on spying charges, so im afraid i have to agree with Paratrooper. Being sentenced to any kind of long term imprisonment for merely looking at some planes through binoculars or a telescope (as hundreds already do at air shows and at airports) is overkill to the extreme.

[ran 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Paratrooper @ Aug. 31 2002,19:11)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I have French freinds!<span id='postcolor'>

oooooh my god poor guys .............. j/k

[Guest]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Paratrooper @ Aug. 31 2002,19:14)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I can critisise a stupid law!

I didn't say they could do whatever they want, just that these stupid berks in anoracks are clearly not a danger to Greece or anywhere else!<span id='postcolor'>

You entirely miss the point. It doesn't matter if they are spies are not, they broke the law. There is a good reason why such laws exist in all countries (including the UK) - these "stupid berks in anoracks" might have published those airplane numbers on their homepage on the web and somebody else, less innocent might have read them.

These laws are not specific to Greece. As Ralph said: Try to go with a notepad to a RAF base and register all the incoming and outgoing flights. They will probably warn you once, but after that they would boot your ass off to jail.

[KingBeast 0]

Denoir - the airplane numbers were already freely available to the general public. Thats another of the reasons that the case has caused so much upset

[Paratrooper 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (ran @ Aug. 31 2002,19:20)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Paratrooper @ Aug. 31 2002,19:11)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I have French freinds!<span id='postcolor'>

oooooh my god poor guys .............. j/k <span id='postcolor'>

They are Parisian Hotelliers, I'll get you a room! or maybe not..

[Paratrooper 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (denoir @ Aug. 31 2002,19:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Paratrooper @ Aug. 31 2002,19:14)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I can critisise a stupid law!

I didn't say they could do whatever they want, just that these stupid berks in anoracks are clearly not a danger to Greece or anywhere else!<span id='postcolor'>

You entirely miss the point. It doesn't matter if they are spies are not, they broke the law. There is a good reason why such laws exist in all countries (including the UK) - these "stupid berks in anoracks" might have published those airplane numbers on their homepage on the web and somebody else, less innocent might have read them.

These laws are not specific to Greece. As Ralph said: Try to go with a notepad to a RAF base and register all the incoming and outgoing flights. They will probably warn you once, but after that they would boot your ass off to jail.<span id='postcolor'>

They were allowed onto the base! Look it up, its probably still on a news site somewhere.

[Guest]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KingBeast @ Aug. 31 2002,19:23)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Denoir - the airplane numbers were already freely available to the general public. Thats another of the reasons that the case has caused so much upset<span id='postcolor'>

It is very different between knowing what numbers exist and systematically registering take-offs and landings from one airbase. That kind of information gives a good estimate of the strength present on the base and could be used by an attacker.

There is no country in the world that allows this.

[Warin 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KingBeast @ Aug. 31 2002,19:23)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Denoir - the airplane numbers were already freely available to the general public. Thats another of the reasons that the case has caused so much upset<span id='postcolor'>

There is a difference between a webpage that says 'The Greek Airforce has an aircraft with tail number XXXXX' and being able to say 'Aircraft XXXXX through XXXXX are on Airbase Y on this date'

One is general information, the other is specific information that the greek government may have reasons for not wanting disclosed.

Dont get me wrong, they need to slap them with a fat fine and send them back to the UK... not imprison them. Anyone have an update on said 'berks in anoraks'?