Login

About Asian Telegraph Qatar

Asian Telegraph Qatar, led by veteran journalist Ashraf Siddiqui, is a trusted news platform focused on Qatar’s contributions to global peace, economic growth, education, and youth development. 

Featuring insights from international journalists, it covers local and global events in business, culture, sports, and more, offering readers balanced perspectives on both Qatar and world affairs.

Contact Details

  • PO Box: 20927, Doha City Qatar
  • Tel: +974 33279600
  • Fax: +974 44372909
  • info@asiantelegraphqatar.com
  • www.asiantelegraphqatar.com

Turkey Slams Greece for Granting Asylum to Coup Plotter

By
M Ashraf Siddiqui
30/12/2017
in

Ankara                                                                                                                                                                                              30 Dec 2017                                                                                                                                                                                  (Anadolu/AFP)

The Foreign Ministry has criticized the decision of a Greek committee to grant asylum to one of the eight coup plotters who fled to Greece after taking part in last year’s defeated coup in Turkey.

In a written statement released Saturday, the ministry said: "Greece, who granted asylum to one of the eight coup plotters who participated in the July 15 coup bid, has once again revealed through this decision that it is a country that protects and embraces plotters."

It also criticized Greece for not supporting or cooperating with Turkey as one would expect from an ally in the fight against terrorism and crimes.

"This decision, which we consider as a political motive, will undoubtedly have effects on our bilateral relations with Greece and our joint regional efforts," the statement also read.

According to a ruling by the third Independent Secondary Asylum Committee, Suleyman Ozkaynakci, the co-pilot of the helicopter that was used to flee Turkey, had been granted asylum on the basis that there was allegedly no proof that he participated in the coup bid.

The other former Turkish servicemen have not been granted asylum and are currently being held by Greek authorities until the committee makes a ruling regarding them.

The coup plotters had arrived in Alexandroupolis, Greece, aboard a military helicopter hours after the defeated coup in July 15, 2016.

Turkish Justice Ministry has since sent several extradition requests for the former officers.

On Jan. 26, 2017, the Greek Supreme Court decided not to extradite the officers to Turkey. Turkish Foreign Ministry had called the decision “politically motivated”.

The issue was also discussed when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made an official visit to Greece on Dec. 7, 2017.

Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup on July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Disclaimer: Asian Telegraph Qatar do not accept any responsibility for any comment posted on our website. Any comment does not necessarily represent the views of the Asian Telegraph Qatar, unless where specifically stated otherwise. We reserve the right to unpublish, or delete parts or the entirety of any comments that deemed to be non-conducive to the discussion.

© 2025 Asian Telegraph. All Rights Reserved
Powered by PWS
envelopeearthmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram