Resolution on the violation of human rights and the rule of law in the case of two Greek soldiers arrested and detained in Turkey

The European Parliament adopted a resolution by 607 votes to 7 with 18 abstentions on the violation of human rights and the rule of law in the case of two Greek soldiers arrested and detained in Turkey

The resolution was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, Greens/EFA, GUE/NGL, and EFDD groups.

Parliament called on Turkey to swiftly conclude the judicial process and release the two Greek soldiers detained since March and return them to Greece. The two Greek soldiers have been held in a Turkish prison for more than one month without charges being brought against them, leaving them unaware of the crime of which they are accused.

Members recalled that the soldiers stated that they lost their way in bad weather patrolling the border, in the forest area of Kastanies along the Evros/Meriç River, which is a major crossing point for migrants, refugees and traffickers. Previous cases of similar accidental crossings of the border by either Greek or Turkish soldiers were settled in the past on the spot at the level of the local military authorities of both sides.

Parliament called on the Turkish authorities to scrupulously follow legal proceedings and fully respect, for all those concerned, the human rights enshrined in international law, including the Geneva Convention. It called on the Council, the Commission, the European External Action Service and all EU Member States to show solidarity with Greece and call for the immediate release of the two Greek soldiers in any contacts or communications with Turkish leaders and authorities, in the spirit of international law and good neighbourly relations.