Greece’s top court approves extradition of Turkish businessman to Türkiye

Greece’s Council of State, the highest administrative court, has ruled to extradite Turkish businessman Ali Yesildag to Türkiye.

Greek media Ekathimerini reports that this decision follows an appeal by Yesildag, which had accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of corruption.

Background on Ali Yesildag

Ali Yesildag, a 54-year-old businessman who once enjoyed excellent relations with the Turkish government, was arrested in November 2023 for illegally crossing the Greek-Turkish border.

Yesildag, previously close to Erdogan, was convicted by Turkish courts on charges including murder, kidnapping, and weapon possession, resulting in a 19-year and 23-month prison sentence.

Legal proceedings

After his arrest, the Bursa Public Prosecutor’s Office requested Yesildag’s extradition from Greece.

The Thrace Court of Appeals approved the extradition in February, which Yesildag subsequently appealed to the Council of State.

Yesildag’s appeal

In his appeal, Yesildag argued that extradition to Türkiye would expose him to further charges and potential torture, citing his public denunciations of Erdogan and financial scandals.

Court’s decision

The Council of State upheld the extradition decision, finding it consistent with European and Greek law, and rejected Yesildag’s claims of imminent danger and inhumane treatment.