17 arrested on Greek island for wearing nun outfits

Seventeen British tourists appeared before a prosecutor on Greek island of Crete today after being arrested for dressing up in nun costumes and suspender belts.

Police say the 17 were arrested on Saturday night in the seaside holiday town of Malia, a resort popular with young tourists and notorious for rowdy and drunken behavior during the summer.

The group were initially charged with causing a scandal by provocative acts and misrepresenting a uniform, and the prosecutor was to decide today whether to maintain or alter the charges.

The British Embassy in Athens said it was aware of the arrests and consular assistance was being provided.

Misbehaving tourists, many from Britain, have become an increasing problem for Greek authorities in recent years in resorts on the islands of Rhodes, Crete and Corfu.