Greece grants asylum to Turkish soldier who fled after coup attempt

by Maria Spiliopoulou

ATHENS, Dec. 30 (Xinhua)-- Greek authorities granted asylum to one of the eight Turkish servicemen who had fled to Greece after the failed coup attempt in Turkey, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Saturday.

An independent asylum committee approved the asylum bid of the co-pilot of the Turkish military helicopter which landed in northern Greece a day after the failed coup in July 2016.

According to the ruling, it has not been proved that the man, who has been accused of political crimes in Turkey, had participated in the coup. All officers have denied any involvement in the failed attempt.

The remaining seven Turkish officers remain in custody until rulings are issued on their asylum applications.

Following a judicial marathon, Greece's Supreme Court rejected in January Ankara's request for their extradition.

The eight men insist that they fled out of fear for their lives when they came under attack amid the chaos of the first hours after the coup attempt. Enditem