Hunger striker in Greek hospital

Simon Chapman has been moved from prison to a Greek hospital

An anti-capitalism campaigner who has been on hunger strike in a Greek prison for more than five weeks is now in hospital while he awaits trial.

Simon Chapman, 30, from Basildon, Essex, is charged with possessing dangerous weapons and petrol bombs at an European Union summit in Thessaloniki in June.

Mr Chapman, a graphic designer, claims the items were planted on him by the police and has video evidence to prove it.

Demonstrators spent Tuesday protesting his innocence outside the Greek Embassy in London.

One of the protest organisers, Charlie Allen, said Mr Chapman, who began his hunger strike on 5 October, was now under medical supervision after being moved from Greece's highest security prison.

He and four other suspected rioters - two Spaniards, one Syrian and a Greek who have also been on hunger strike - have been taken to the hospital wing of the Korydallos prison in Athens, a prison official confirmed.

No trial date has yet been set and the five are demanding to be released on bail until their case is heard.

Under Greek law, suspects facing criminal charges can be held for 18 months until a court delivers its verdict.

If Mr Chapman is convicted he could face a 25-year prison sentence.