Greece will return to Turkey the Turkish military helicopter which landed in the city of Alexandroupoli in northern Greece on Saturday, Greek government spokesperson Olga Gerovassilis said in an emailed statement.
“Greek authorities will follow procedures foreseen by international law. However, it is taken into account for serious consideration that the eight people detained are charged in their country of violating constitutional order and attempting to overthrow democracy,” the Greek official said.
The Greek General Staff confirmed in an announcement that the eight Turkish military officers onboard the helicopter, including three majors, three lieutenants and two sergeants, requested political asylum.
Greek authorities have not confirmed whether the eight officers who entered Greek airspace with no permission had participated in the attempted military coup in Turkey on Friday. Greek military jets had escorted the helicopter to the airport.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu tweeted that the eight officers were “traitors”.
The Turkish nationals were detained in Alexandroupolis police precinct.
