Germany opposes airport body scans

BERLIN, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- A German government spokesman said the country is joining ranks with opponents of a European Union plans to install full body scanners at airports.

A spokeswoman for the country's Interior Ministry said the German government is opposed to the plan to have the scanners, which give an X-ray view through the clothing of passengers, installed in European airports by 2010, Deutsche Welle reported Friday.

"I can tell you with complete clarity that we are not going to cooperate in this mischief," the spokeswoman said.

The scanners, which have already been installed on a trial basis at London's Heathrow Airport, have been criticized by several members of the European Parliament, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday.

"Although claims are made that the images are not of photographic quality, they seem to be quite explicit about portrayal of genitalia and intimate medical details such as breast implants and colostomy bags," said Sarah Ludford, a member of the European Parliament representing London. "Travelers need to know exactly what the images display, their right to opt for an alternative search, and how they can have confidence that intrusive and sensitive images will not be misused."