Extradition sought for Turkish putschists fled to Greece

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has submitted a request for the extradition of eight soldiers, who escaped to Greece during the failed coup bid, to the Justice Ministry.

As part of the European Convention on Extradition, in force between Greece and Turkey, the extradition request to ensure their return to Turkey has been sent to the International Law and Foreign Relations Directorate General in the Justice Ministry, which will convey the request to Greek authorities within the period stipulated in the convention, the prosecutor's office has said in a statement.

The eight officers, whose names and ranks have been identified, are charged with violating the Turkish Constitution by using the threat of force, attempting to assassinate the President, committing crime against the elected government and the legislative body, and committing a night-time armed aggravated looting involving more than one person.

A Sikorsky S70 Black Hawk military helicopter, carried a captain, two majors and five privates, sent a distressing signal to get permission for an emergency landing at a site near Alexandroupolis city just hours after the failed coup bid.

The eight, members of a faction that staged the failed July 15 coup, were escorted to Alexandroupolis police station where they officially requested political asylum from the Greek authorities. The asylum seekers were sentenced two months in prison for crossing into the Greek territory illegally when they stood on trial in the Alexandroupolis courthouse.

Authorities in Athens have offered a one-month extension to pro-coup Turkish soldiers, to allow them time to prepare for their expected interview in the asylum procedure.

The Ministry of Public Order and Citizen Protection's asylum service declared that the asylum process, including the interview with the soldiers, will take place between Aug.19 and 25. Until that day, the soldiers will remain under custody in Athens for security reasons.