Pandalet
5th Jun 2006, 13:49
From the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5046986.stm
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41725000/jpg/_41725152_chopper_ap203bo.jpg
The helicopter pilot said he was forced on the mission at gunpoint
Two prisoners have escaped in a helicopter from a high security jail in the Greek capital, Athens.
A Greek and an Albanian national escaped in a helicopter that landed on the roof of the Korydallos prison. The Greek man was named as Vassilis Paleokostas, who was convicted of kidnapping and bank robbery in 1999. Police believe his brother Nikos - who is on the run - may have organised the escape. The inmates flew to a nearby cemetery and fled on motorbikes.
The incident happened at 1820 local time (1520 GMT), police said. Vassilis Pakeokostas, 40, was serving a 25-year sentence.
The Albanian national, 32-year-old Alket Rizai, was serving a life sentence for manslaughter since his conviction in 2003. Police believe the two inmates were helped by Nikos Paleokostas and another unidentified accomplice. A manhunt is under way for all four. Police said they arrested the helicopter pilot, who said he had been forced to carry out the mission at gunpoint.
Korydallos is Greece's largest prison, housing more than 2,000 inmates, including foreign criminals.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41725000/jpg/_41725152_chopper_ap203bo.jpg
The helicopter pilot said he was forced on the mission at gunpoint
Two prisoners have escaped in a helicopter from a high security jail in the Greek capital, Athens.
A Greek and an Albanian national escaped in a helicopter that landed on the roof of the Korydallos prison. The Greek man was named as Vassilis Paleokostas, who was convicted of kidnapping and bank robbery in 1999. Police believe his brother Nikos - who is on the run - may have organised the escape. The inmates flew to a nearby cemetery and fled on motorbikes.
The incident happened at 1820 local time (1520 GMT), police said. Vassilis Pakeokostas, 40, was serving a 25-year sentence.
The Albanian national, 32-year-old Alket Rizai, was serving a life sentence for manslaughter since his conviction in 2003. Police believe the two inmates were helped by Nikos Paleokostas and another unidentified accomplice. A manhunt is under way for all four. Police said they arrested the helicopter pilot, who said he had been forced to carry out the mission at gunpoint.
Korydallos is Greece's largest prison, housing more than 2,000 inmates, including foreign criminals.