Greece rejects Turkey soldiers' extradition

Greece's Supreme Court has ruled against extraditing eight Turkish soldiers whom the Turkish government accuses of being involved in last July's attempted coup.


The eight men fled in a helicopter to Greece after the coup attempt but say they were not involved.
Presiding judge Giorgos Sakkas said the men were unlikely to receive a fair trial in Turkey.
The case has presented a diplomatic dilemma for Greece.

But the court's decision is final and cannot be appealed against. Justice Minister Stavros Kontonis said before the verdict that he would respect the decision and not intervene.

Turkey has demanded the men, who it calls traitors, be returned to stand trial. The soldiers - three majors, three captains and two sergeant majors - argue their lives would be in danger.

The issue has created new tensions between the Nato allies, who have a complex relationship and are currently working together to help negotiate a peace deal in divided Cyprus.

Turkey is expected to react strongly to the court's decision.
 BBC
26/1/17
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Related:

• «Οχι» στην έκδοση των οκτώ στρατιωτικών στην Τουρκία

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