Asylum Reinstated for Turkish Hunger Striker: Migration Ministry Concerned

The Ministry of Migration and Asylum is expressing concern after the decision to reinstate asylum for Turkish lawyer and hunger striker, Günay Dağ.

Günay Dağ had initially received asylum in Greece, but in April 2025, this decision was revoked on the grounds that he posed a threat to national security. The three-member committee of the Asylum Authority overturned the asylum revocation decision, which had been taken for reasons of national interest.

According to sources, the Asylum Service had issued the initial decision taking into account a relevant document from the EYP (National Intelligence Service). However, the administrative judges of the Asylum Authority vindicated Dağ on appeal, avoiding taking into account the EYP document.

Several NGOs and civil society organizations had expressed interest in the case, and Dağ was represented by the Hellenic Council for Refugees.

The Ministry of Migration's concern lies in the fact that this development is considered a "blow" to the ministry's strategy, which, together with the Ministry of Citizen Protection, is trying to revoke asylum for Turkish citizens involved in illegal activities or the Turkish mafia in Greece. The Turkish mafia has found a field of activity in Greece after the refugee crisis of 2016.