Greek court extradites some Turkish officers, others to stay

Athens (dpa) - A court in Athens has agreed to a request from Turkey to extradite three military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the Turkish government, according to Greek media reports on Tuesday.The decision comes just one day after Greece refused a request to return three other officers allegedly involved in the same plot.A decision is expected on the fate of two further officers in the next few days, according to reports on ERA radio and news channel Skai.The three military members set to be extradited are planning to appeal the decision, lawyers familiar with the case told dpa. The case would then go to the Supreme Court and proceedings could take several months.All six of the military officers - two majors, four captains and two lower-ranking officers - were transported to Alexandroupoli, near the Turkish border, by helicopter following the failed coup in July.The Turkish government is demanding the immediate extradition of all six men.During the court proceedings, the officers claimed their lives would be in danger if they were returned to Turkey, according to reports. Their lawyers told reporters they had shown evidence in court of their colleagues being tortured.The public prosecutor‘s office in Athens called for the refusal of the extradition requests at both trials, reports said.Associates of the military officers have allegedly been followed and threatened.