Roundup: Turkish officers fleeing coup sentenced to two months in prison, express sorrow for situation in Turkey

The eight Turkish military officers who fled to Greece after last Friday's failed coup attempt on Thursday expressed gratitude to Greek people for their support, sorrow for the current situation in their country and asked forgiveness for the turmoil caused.

Katerina Dapoudani, one of the three Greek attorneys representing them, issued a statement shortly after the officers were found guilty of illegal entry and sentenced to two months in prison by the local court at the northern city of Alexandroupolis. They landed there on Saturday in a Turkish military helicopter.

"We thank Greek people for the support. We ask forgiveness for the turmoil we have caused to the Greek state, but we had no other option," read the press announcement distributed by Greek national news agency AMNA.

"We believe in the democratic principles and human rights. We had no involvement in the coup attempt. We are Turkish military officers and we are proud of this. We are sorry for the current situation in Turkey," the statement said.

According to Dapoudani, the eight officers also made a plea to NGOs for support.

During Thursday's court session, the defendants insisted that they had no idea about the coup attempt and that they had received orders by their superiors to transfer injured people, the lawyer said.

When their helicopter came under fire and they were alerted by relatives on the dramatic developments they feared for their lives and decided to flee to Romania or Bulgaria initially. But due to fuel shortage, they eventually opted for Greece issuing a false distress signal for emergency landing, they told the Greek court.

Under Greek legislation, they face up to five years imprisonment. But the Greek judges acknowledged they acted under special circumstances in fear for their safety and handed down sentences suspended for three years.

Turkish officials have branded them traitors and said their extradition will be requested. The eight officers have meanwhile filed claims for asylum.

The process was expected to start with their interviews before the local asylum agency on July 27 and may last two to three months. Until then they will remain in custody.

Speaking to Xinhua, two of their attorneys stressed the eight men fear for their safety and that of their families. Although Turkish officials have reassured that they will get fair treatment.

During Thursday's trial outside the courthouse, a small group of local Greek Muslims were demonstrating against the "traitors" and in favor of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The case of the military officers is testing bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries who for decades have had disputes over borders.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and cabinet ministers have stressed numerous times that Greece supports democracy and constitutional order in Turkey and will fully observe international law on asylum and extradition regarding the case.

One of the lawyers, Lia Marinaki, told Xinhua that in case the process in Greece will end inconclusively, the eight officers intend to claim asylum in other countries.

Meanwhile, according to Vima (Tribune) daily, Greek Navy and Coast Guard were on alert in the Aegean islands close to Turkish shores after Turkish media reported that other Turkish plotters may attempt to cross over to Greece in boats. Endit