The prosecutor of the Greek Court of Cassation ruled against the extradition of two Turkish soldiers who fled to Greece in the aftermath of the putsch failed in Turkey on 15 July.
“I do not allow Greek judges to extradite them,” said Haralambos Vourliotis, quoted by a judicial source. He justified his position by not being entitled to a fair and just trial in their country.
In the aftermath of the abortive coup in Turkey, eight Turkish troops had fled their country and arrived in Alexandroupolis (northern Greece) aboard the same helicopter.
In the first instance, an Athens court had accepted the extradition of six of these soldiers, who then appealed. The court, however, had opposed the extradition of the last two, believing that their lives would be in danger in Turkey. But after an appeal by the public prosecutor’s office, these two soldiers will also be tried by the Court of Cassation.
On Tuesday, the case of two first soldiers had been examined by the court, and the prosecution had already ruled that they should not be returned to Turkey because they would not have a fair and fair trial. The case of the last four Turkish troops must be examined on Friday. According to judicial sources, a judgment could be issued on 23 January, but the final decision will be taken by the Greek Minister of Justice.
The eight soldiers, who deny having participated in the putsch, say they fear for their lives. Many soldiers fled to European countries after the failed coup in Turkey. The affair embarrasses Greece, which keeps delicate relations with its neighbor.