Greece to begin trials for FETÖ-linked pro-coup soldiers

The judicial process for eight soldiers who fled to Greece after the failed coup attempt by the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) on July 15, 2016 in regards to Turkey's extradition request began Wednesday in Greece.

The pro-coup soldiers were brought to the Athens Supreme Court (Efeteio) from the police station that they were being held at under high security measures.

According to information from the soldiers' lawyer, the pro-coup soldiers and their lawyers have been informed by the Greek prosecutor about Turkey's new request for extradition. It has been stated that there are two additional accusations against the pro-coup soldiers in the new extradition request.

It was also indicated that the lawyers will prepare their defense and object to these accusations in the coming weeks.

It was also reported that seven of the eight pro-coup soldiers'interviews in relation to their asylum requests have been completed and it is expected the end result will be announced in the upcoming days.

The pro-coup soldiers fled to Greece in a helicopter after the failed coup attempt by FETÖ and then requested asylum in the country. The Greek High Court (Arios Pagos) rejected Turkey's extradition request concerning the pro-coup soldiers in January. The Greek Refuge Office continues to evaluate the soldiers' asylum request. It was decided by the Greek authorities that the pro-coup soldiers will be kept under surveillance until the asylum requests come to a conclusion.