Turkish citizens seeking asylum on Crete island could be deported: Greek media

Eight Turkish nationals who arrived in Crete last week could be deported, Greek media reported on Aug. 24. Seven of the eight asylum seekers are reportedly former military and police officers, while one is an electrical engineer and technician. 

Nikolaos Stelya / DUVAR

Eight Turkish nationals seeking asylum on the island of Crete could face deportation, Greek media reported on Aug. 24. 

Aged between 29 and 55, seven of the eight asylum seekers are reportedly former military and police officers, while one is an electrical engineer and technician. 

Greek Coast Guard has said that the Turkish ship carrying the asylum seekers was headed to France, but stopped at Crete when a technical problem occurred. A fishing boat reportedly pulled the asylum seekers' boat into Crete's Tsoutsoura Port.

Pro-government Greek media outlet In.gr reported that Greek prosecutors have avoided filing criminal complaints about the asylum seekers.

According to In.gr, deportations will begin when the Greek law enforcement completes processing the asylum seekers' procedures.

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