(VOVworld) – Seven of eight alleged Turkish coup plotters were denied asylum in Greece Tuesday. In a statement delivered by their lawyer, Stavroula Tomara, the soldiers said they believe the decision was guided by political expediency. Tomara said the seven fear for their lives if they are returned to Turkey.

Turkish soldiers were arrested for being involved in the coup attempt (Photo: VNA)

The eight Turkish soldiers flew a military helicopter into northern Greece on July 16, hours after a coup attempt by elements of the military in Turkey began to unravel. All eight soldiers denied having any role in the attempted coup. Turkey formally sought the extradition of the eight, underscoring occasionally strained relations between Athens and Ankara.