Greece to Not Extradite 8 Soldiers Fleeing to Greece After Coup Attempt

Click to read the article in Kurdish / Turkish

The Greek Supreme Court has rejected Turkey’s demand that eight soldiers, who fled to Greece from Turkey following July 15 coup attempt, be extradited.

Greek Minister of Justice Stavros Kontonis had said that “The government will respect decision of the Supreme Court”.

The court was expected to announce its verdict on January 23 but it was declared that because of a judge having an accident and other judges not expressing their definite opinions, the verdict was delayed for three days.

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. (YY/TK)