The eight Turkish military servicemen that defected to Greece and applied for political asylum during the failed coup attempt in Turkey, were granted three days too prepare their defence by the first Instance Misdemeanours Court in Alexandroupoli, Monday. Their legal representative, lawyer Ilia Marinaki, had submitted the request for a 3-day extension to Greek Justice. The eight military servicemen are charged with illegal entry into Greece. According to Marinaki, they were unaware a military coup was unfolding and claim they were following orders. During their appearance at the court, the Turkish Consular of Komotini claimed they were murderers as they had fired against unarmed citizens. The matter is developing into an international diplomatic thriller, as Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has called on Greece to extradite them as soon as possible. The Greek state has responded that it would fully abide by the provisions laid down under international law in similar circumstances, while acknowledging they were involved in an attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government. Erdogan, who has has promised the Turkish public he would consider reinstating the death penalty, claimed he was reassured by Greek PM Alexis Tsipras that the eight men would be extradited within 15 to 20 days. The issue has gained media attention with Turkish news channels having set up cameras outside the Alexandroupoli court house.
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