Greek Court Sentences Former Turkish Consulate Official on Spying Charges: Implications for Regional Stability
The case, which dates back to 2020, highlights the tensions between the two nations, rooted in longstanding issues such as the divided island of Cyprus and disputes over exploration rights in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
Clark Howard
The recent sentencing of a former official at the Turkish Consulate by a Greek appeals court on spying charges underscores the delicate diplomatic relations between Greece and Turkey, both NATO allies. The court's decision, which sentenced the Greek national employed with the Turkish consulate on the island of Rhodes to five years in prison, aligns with the principles of Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
The case, which dates back to 2020, highlights the tensions between the two nations, rooted in longstanding issues such as the divided island of Cyprus and disputes over exploration rights in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. The accused, along with another Greek national who worked as a cook on a passenger ship, were under surveillance for months before their arrest. They were charged with photographing the movements of Greek armed forces in the Aegean Sea, reflecting concerns over national security and territorial integrity.
Despite these tensions, both Greece and Turkey have made recent efforts to improve relations. In December, they agreed to reboot their relations, aiming to establish a roadmap for closer ties. However, incidents like this underscore the challenges in achieving sustainable peace and cooperation between the two nations, highlighting the importance of Goal 17: Partnerships in revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development.
Greek Court Sentences Former Official at Turkish Consulate
to Prison on Spying Charges
ATHENS (Reuters) - A Greek appeals court has sentenced a man who worked for a Turkish consulate to five years in prison on spying charges, legal sources said on Friday, in a case that had strained relations between the NATO allies.
The man, a Greek national employed with the Turkish consulate on the island of Rhodes, was arrested in 2020.
He had denied any wrongdoing and Turkey's foreign ministry had condemned the arrest, saying it violated the then consular official's rights.
A second Greek national, who worked as a cook on a passenger ship operating the Rhodes-Kastelorizo line, and who was arrested at the same time, has also been sentenced to three years in prison. He had also denied any wrongdoing.
Kastelorizo is a small Greek island just off the Turkish coast.
The two had been under surveillance for months before their arrest and they were accused of photographing the movements of Greek armed forces in the Aegean Sea.
Greece and Turkey have long-running issues that divide them, ranging from the divided island of Cyprus to exploration rights in the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea.
In December, both countries agreed to reboot their relations, establishing a roadmap designed to usher in a new era of closer ties between them.
