Greece frees Norwegian photographer accused of espionage

LESVOS, Greece (AP) — A Norwegian photographer arrested on espionage-related charges on the Greek island of Lesvos has been released after appearing in a prosecutor's office on Monday.

Knut Bry, 75, was released after presenting evidence for more than three hours, but the investigation into his alleged activities continues, according to official documents.

Bry was arrested last week for photographing ships of the Greek coast guard and navy without permission in the island's main port. Photographic equipment and storage memories were confiscated in a police record in his hotel room.

The charge of illegally obtaining state secrets brought against Bry is punishable by at least one year in prison.

Bry's arrest sparked small protests in Lesvos and Norway, while advocates posted photos of Greek coast guard boats in plain sight on Mytilene, the island's main port, on the internet.

Bry, who claims his innocence, works with a local non-profit organization, Lesvos Solidarity, which helps migrants and refugees. Lesvos was the busiest entry point into the European Union during the refugee crisis of 2015 and 2016, when hundreds of thousands of people were fleeing the wars in Iraq and Syria.

“We are happy with the result. Everyone in our organizations is very happy,” Nikos Markou, spokesman for the organization, told The Associated Press.