Eight Turkish officers considering resorting to European Court

The eight military officers that fled to Alexandroupoli in the wake of last month’s failed coup attempt in Turkey will reportedly resort to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg to prevent their extradition if their asylum applications in Greece are rejected.

Sources told Kathimerini on Friday that the officers are almost certain that their asylum applications will be rejected, and aim to put a freeze on extradition procedures by taking their case to Strasbourg.

According to the European Court’s rules, the extradition of individuals whose asylum requests have been rejected by a country can be delayed by a court injunction.

Legal experts say a European Court injunction could be imposed if it deems that the eight officers will not get a fair trial in Turkey or if they run the risk of receiving the death penalty.

The move could also disentangle Athens from a tricky diplomatic position as it juggles between Greek and European law and Turkey’s demands for their extradition.

According to sources, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias recently chaired a meeting with academics and legal experts to ensure that Greece doesn’t find itself at odds with European law as it mulls the extradition of the Turkish officers.

The asylum applications of the eight will be examined on August 19, 23, 24 and 25.