DW — A Greek court on Wednesday blocked Turkey’s second request for the extradition of three Turkish soldiers who fled the country last year in the wake of a failed coup.
The court accepted arguments made by the prosecutor that the men would not receive a fair trial and would place their lives in danger upon returning to Turkey.
“They may be subjected to torture and inhumane behaviour,” the Greek prosecutor said.
Ankara has sought the extradition of eight Turkish service members, who it accuses of participating in a failed coup last year that left more than 300 people dead, including civilians.
Asylum-seeking soldiers
The men landed a helicopter in Greece on July 16 and requested asylum upon their arrival, saying they feared for their lives.
They have denied allegations that they attempted to suspend the constitution, dissolve parliament and assassinate President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Greece’s supreme court had previously ruled that against Turkey’s extradition request, effectively covering all eight service members. However, Ankara issued a second request in January.
Last week, the supreme court ruled against the extradition of three of the soldiers. It is expected to review the request for the remaining two on Thursday.
