Four Turkish soldiers and a military attaché who had applied for asylum in Norway following the 15 July coup attempt have been granted residence and working permits. Kjell M. Brygfjeld, lawyer of the five Turkish nationals, confirmed the decision which has stirred controversy between the NATO allies to Norwegian daily Klassekampen.
Turkey had asked Norway for the extradition of the four soldiers and the military attaché, suspected of having participated in the failed coup. The decision to grant the suspects and their families, all living at secret addresses, asylum in Norway may thus further add to the already tense relationship between Turkey and Europe.
Turkish military officers have sought asylum in many cases since 15 July last year. As many as 136 Turkish nationals with diplomatic passports had already entered Germany.