The Turkish Interior Ministry on Tuesday included the eight servicemen who fled to Greece the day after the 2016 uprising to their list of “wanted” suspects.
The move is seen as highly provocative, especially as it coincides with the official visit of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to Turkey, scheduled to begin later on Tuesday.
The eight servicemen are “wanted” by Turkish state authorities for their alleged role in a botched coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
According to Turkey’s state-run Anadolou news agency, the government is offering a total of 5.6 million euros for the return of the eight officers, who were quickly granted asylum in Greece in 2016.
Greek courts have rejected several requests from Ankara to hand over the officers, arguing they would not have a fair trial and may be subjected to torture and inhumane treatment.
The judicial rulings have incensed the Turkish authorities, who have accused Athens of harboring “terrorists”.
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