09 February 2017•Update: 04 April 2017
KOMOTINI, Greece
Six Turkish nationals were arrested Wednesday after they illegally crossed the border, Greek police said.
The fugitives were taken into custody by border guard troops in the northeastern town of Orestiada after allegedly crossing the Maritsa River in plastic boats, according to a statement by the ELAS police organization.
Police said a 38-year-old Tunisian and 21-year-old Moroccan were also taken into custody for allegedly helping the Turkish fugitives.
The suspects were referred to the Orestiada prosecutor's office, the statement said.
Greek media reported that the six individuals are likely members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and would seek asylum in Greece.
Turkey accuses FETO and its leader, Fetullah Gulen, of orchestrating a failed coup last summer. Gulen has lived in exile in the U.S. since 1999.
The number of Turkish citizens who have illegally entered Greece since the July 15 defeated coup now stands at 100, including eight former Turkish soldiers.
Reporting by Mehmet Hatipoglu, Writing by Ilker Girit
