The eight Turkish military officers who participated in the failed coup in Turkey and subsequently escaped to Greece will go on trial at noon on Thursday. The Misdemeanors Court of Alexandroupoli is expected to issue a verdict within the day.
According to the case file, all of them are charged with illegally entering the country, while seven of the officers will be charged with inciting illegal flight and the eighth (the pilot) will be charged with carrying out an illegal flight. The police officer who arrested the eight officers will testify as a witness.
During the investigation, the eight putschists told the police that they removed electronic equipment containing coordinates and military maps and threw it in the sea.
The interviews for the asylum applications are expected next week on Wednesday, however it is not yet clear when an initial decision will be issued. Officers from the asylum services have commented that the process for refugees and migrants typically lasts between two to three months.
Tension outside the court
Many journalists and media from Turkey are currently outside the courts to cover trial. Greek Muslims from Thrace are also demonstrating outside the courts in favor of Turkish President Erdogan and accusing the arrested officers of treason.
