Turkish civil servants and judges have sought refuge in Greece together with their wives and children. A total of 17 Turkish citizens, seven men, four women and six children, illegally entered Greece on Monday afternoon. They sailed from the Turkish coast to the island of Oinousses, north-east of the island of Chios and they seek political asylum.
They claim that they are judicial and state officials who have been persecuted by the Erdogan regime after the failed coup of July 2016.
From the island of Oinousses, Greek authorities transferred them to VIAL hot spot on Chios for registration and identification. According to Greek media, they are expected to be transferred to Piraeus where they will submit their asylum application.
No more details about their identities have been leaked to the media. Suggestions claim they are from the broader area of Izmir.
More than 600 Turkish families have reportedly crossed the border to Greece and have applied for asylum after the failed coup.
