Ruling against extradition of Turkish officers riles Ankara

The country's Supreme Court on Thursday ruled against the extradition of eight Turkish military officers who fled to Greece last July following a failed coup in Turkey, prompting an angry response in Ankara and concerns about possible diplomatic repercussions.

Explaining its decision, the court highlighted "the possibility of their rights being violated or reduced regardless of the degree of guilt or the gravity of the crimes they are accused of."

The eight officers had appealed for political asylum when they arrived in Greece, saying they feared torture or even death if they returned to their homeland.

Ankara was quick to react to the Greek court's decision. Turkey's Foreign Ministry said it would use "all legal instruments against this decision of the Greek judiciary," adding that "the implications on our bilateral relations, our cooperation against terrorism...