Greek police detain Turkish consular official on spy claim

·

Police in Greece have detained a Turkish consular official on suspicion of spying, a senior Greek source said on Friday, in a case likely to further strain troubled relations between the two NATO allies.

Turkey’s foreign ministry swiftly condemned the arrest, saying it violated the consular official’s rights.

The official, a Greek national employed with the Turkish consulate on the island of Rhodes, was arrested on Friday after being questioned a week ago. A second Greek national was also arrested.

READ MORE: Turkish espionage network uncovered in Rhodes by the Greek intelligence service

“One person was working at the Turkish consulate in Rhodes and the second man worked on a passenger ship which was operating the Rhodes-Kastelorizo line as a cook,” a police official told Reuters.

Kastelorizo is a small Greek island just off the Turkish coast.

Turkey’s foreign affairs ministry said the consulate worker was a secretary at its Rhodes representation.

“In the process that led to the arrest of our employee, who holds Greek nationality, Greece violated his freedom, security and respect for private and family rights in the framework of the European Convention of Human Rights and Vienna Convention on Consular Relations,” the ministry said.

One of the suspects was accused of photographing movements of Greek armed forces in the Aegean Sea. Greek media have reported that both individuals are members of Greece’s Muslim minority based in the north of the country and that they had been under surveillance for several months.

Greece and Turkey have long running tensions, ranging from the divided island of Cyprus to exploration rights in the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea. Tensions flared in August when Turkey sent a seismic exploration vessel into waters claimed by Greece.

Sourced By: Reuters

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The late Jim Diamantis remembered as community-minded family man

Adelaide businessman Jim Diamantis, co-founder of Diamonds Camera, has been remembered as a hardworking and compassionate family man.

WA government dismisses Basil Zempilas’ Commonwealth Games bid

The WA government has sharply criticised Basil Zempilas’ call for Perth to launch a late bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Greek Orthodox Easter celebrated Australia-wide with faith, tradition and joy

Greek Orthodox Easter was celebrated across Australia over the weekend with church services, processions, and joyful family gatherings. From solemn commemorations to festive feasts,...

Second suspected arson attack hits Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar in Melbourne’s Yarraville

Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar in Melbourne’s Yarraville has been damaged in a suspected arson attack for the second time in less than a year.

Greece’s maritime zones plan faces diplomatic pushback

Greece’s proposal to extend its maritime zones in the Aegean is facing diplomatic pushback, with regional and international concerns over rising tensions with Turkey.

You May Also Like

Macquarie University responds to criticism after decision to end Modern Greek program

In a statement to The Greek Herald, Macquarie University has responded to criticism on its decision to discontinue its Modern Greek program.

Helena Kyriazopoulos to serve on the Australian Multicultural Council

The Australian Government has announced the 17 members who will serve on the Australian Multicultural Council for its next three-year term.

Newcastle honours Father Nicolaos Zervas OAM with top award

More than 50 years of community service has lead to Father Nicolaos Zervas OAM becoming the 17th Freeman of the City of Newcastle.