Greek prosecutors say Turkish soldiers should not be extradited

Prosecutors concluded their arguments on Friday against the extradition to Ankara of eight Turkish army officers who sought asylum in Greece last summer.

Greece's Supreme Court is due to rule on Jan. 23 on the fate of the eight men.

All three Greek prosecutors who addressed the top judges in three separate sessions in Athens this week fought for a rejection of Turkey's extradition request for the officers, who were accused of participating in the failed coup attempt in Turkey last July.

The prosecutors argued that if the officers were extradited, they would not receive a fair trial and faced a "serious risk of torture and degrading treatment."

In December, Greek courts issued conflicting verdicts on the case, clearing the extradition of three defendants and rejecting the return of five servicemen.

The eight officers fled by military helicopter to Greece a day after the failed coup. They all deny any involvement in the July 15 coup attempt. They claim they fled for fear of their lives during the turmoil.

During the lengthy hearings before Greek justice, they have repeatedly said they fear for their safety if they are sent back to Turkey. Endit