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Ankara hesitancy on Turkish extradition request offers vague relief

Ankara hesitancy on Turkish extradition request offers vague relief

The fact that Ankara has not submitted an official request for the extradition of eight Turkish officers who fled to Greece by helicopter following last month’s failed coup is being cautiously welcomed in Athens, according to diplomatic sources, who say however that the current domestic upheaval in Turkey might be the reason for the delay.

A Greek diplomatic source confirmed that Ankara has not yet taken the official legal route, which would involve it submitting a request to the Greek Embassy via its Justice Ministry. The fact that such a request must be legally documented with a list of the officers’ alleged offenses as well as reassurances that they will receive a fair trial in their country is most likely an obstacle, the source said.

A court in Alexandroupoli, northern Greece, is expected to rule on the Turkish officers’ asylum applications in late August.

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