Right of Asylum for Soldiers Fleeing to Greece After July 15

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Greek Council of State General Board has announced its final verdict concerning the right of asylum granted to Süleyman Özkaynakçı, who was among the soldiers who fled to Greece following July 15 coup attempt.

Rejecting Greek government's objection, the Greek Council of State citing Geneva Convention ruled for the fugitive soldiers to be granted right of asylum.

In the decision it was stated that there was not enough evidence proving that Özkaynakça participated in the coup attempt and was a member of the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ).

According to state-run Anadolu Agency, the decision is said to set a precedent for the other fugitive soldiers.

The Greek Council of State had granted right of asylum to Özkaynakçı on May 23, 2018 but the Greek government objected to this decision.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Scandalous decision

Following statements were included in a written statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

"The Greek Council of State made a scandalous decision by granting right of asylum to Süleyman Özkaynakçı, who is one of the perpetrators of the July 15 coup attempt, by rejecting Greek Government's objection.

"The Greek posts shouldn't allow their country to become a safe harbor for the putschists". (EKN/TK)