Updated

Eight Turkish military personnel who flew to Greece aboard a helicopter during an attempted coup in Turkey are appearing before immigration authorities for interviews on their applications for asylum.

The eight were being interviewed Tuesday near the northeastern city of Alexandroupolis. One of their lawyers has said they deny involvement in Friday's attempted coup in Turkey, saying the helicopter had been used to transport wounded and had come under fire from police, at which point they fled fearing for their lives.

Turkey is seeking their return. Greece has said their asylum applications must be examined under international law, but the fact that they are accused of participating in a coup would be taken into account.

The eight face trial on Thursday for illegal entry into Greece.