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The Greek High Court has rejected Turkey’s second extradition request for the eight soldiers who fled to Greece in the wake of July 15 coup attempt.

Greece had previously rejected the extradition request for three of the eight soldiers on March 3, and for other three on April 25.

The Turkish army soldiers in Greece are still remanded in custody.

No final decision has been given yet as to the asylum application of the soldiers.

What happened?

Two squadron leaders, four captains and two noncommissioned officers, who went to Greece by helicopter following July 15 coup attempt and asking for political asylum, were sentenced to 2 months in prison on charge of entering the country illegally.

The court delayed the jail term for three years and ruled that the soldiers be kept in detention until soldier’s asylum demand is concluded.

On the other hand, Turkey demanded extradition of the soldiers.

In two of the three trials about the soldiers, it was decided to not extradite five of the soldiers. In another trial, it was decided to extradite the remaining three. 

Then an appeal was lodged and Greek Supreme Court ruled that the eight soldiers wouldn’t be extradited to Turkey.

Announcing the court’s decision, judge Giorgos Sakkas said that “In case the soldiers are extradited to Turkey, they will unlikely to have a fair trial”. (YY/TK)