Strict security measures surround the preparations for two major trials in Greece concerning members of the former military dictatorship and a third trial which has already begun.

The most important of the trials in Athens is due to start on Monday (28 July). The accused are 24 of the leading members of the junta on charges of high treason which entail a possible death penalty. Among them is george Papadopoulos, the artillery colonel who planned the 1967 coup and later installed himself President.

Also on trial in the specially-built courtroom will be retired General George Zoitakis, who was made Regent after the abortive royal counter-coup in December 1967, and retired Major General Demetrios Ioannides, the Chief of the military police who overthrew Papadopoulos in November 1973 and established his own military regime.

Strict security measures have been taken to prevent the possibility of demonstrations or even kidnap or assassination attempts.

The second trial involving army and police officers charged with torturing political prisoners is due to start in Athens next month.

A third trial of 21 officers charged with plotting to commit acts of sedition against the present civilian government five months after the restoration of democratic rule, has already begun. They too face a possible death sentence.