Second Extradition Demand for Soldiers Who Fled to Greece

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has stated that following Greece not extraditing eight soldiers who fled to Greece in the wake of July 15 coup attempt, necessary steps including cancelling readmission agreement between Greece and Turkey will be taken.

According to a report public channel TRT Haber announced on Twitter, responding to journalists’ questions in Antalya, Çavuşoğlu said “We will take necessary steps including cancelling readmission agreement between Greece and us”.

The Ministry of Justice sent the second extradition demand to Greece about the fugitive soldiers.

Also a notice was sent to Interpol to have issued a red notice for the soldiers.

İstanbul 12th Criminal Judgeship of Peace had issued a sentence in absentia upon Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office’s request.

What had 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)