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MV Sign TILT DOWN TO Pohle supporter addressing gathering (3 shots)
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SV PAN Audience applauding and canting
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GV Prison courtroom
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SV Judges on bench
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CU Pohle in dock
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SVs Court in session
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CU Pohle seated after answering questions PAN TO judge addressing court
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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: A Greek appeals court has decided not to allow the extradition of convicted West German agitator Rolf Pohle, who was arrested in Athens last month. The court decision follows public protest meetings against extradition -- claiming Pohle's crimes in Germany were political.

SYNOPSIS: At the latest meeting in Athens on Tuesday and Wednesday (17 and 18 August) his supporters accused the Greek Government of succumbing to German pressure. Pohle is wanted in Germany to serve the remaining two-and-a-half years of a six-and-a-half year sentence for membership of a criminal organisation, possession of a weapon, fraud and forgery. Eh was freed from prison last year in exchange for Peter Lorenz, the President of the West German House of Representatives, who was kidnapped by guerrillas. Pohle and four other jailed activity were allowed to fly to Aden in exchange for Lorenz, who was later released.

The appeal court was held in Korydallos prison, ringed outside by armoured cars, and heavily guarded inside by armed police. During the two-day hearing Pohle presented a 12-page statement in court, asking for political asylum on the grounds that his crimed were political ones. The decision was a majority of three votes against two from the five judges. But Pohle was detained in custody pending a possible prosecution appeal, and the investigation into a private suit brought against Pohle, accusing him of illegally entering Greece with false documents.