Greece Rejects Turkey’s Extradition Request for 2nd Time

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Athens Court of Appeals has rejected Turkey’s request for the second time concerning extradition of three of the eight soldiers who fled to Greece and requested asylum in the wake of July 15 coup attempt.

Turkey had applied to Greek Court of Appeals for the second time on January 30, 2017.

The three soldiers stood trial at the Athens Court of Appeals upon Turkey’s second extradition request.

The court rejected Turkey’s request.

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)