The eight Turkish military officers who fled to Greece after supporting Friday’s attempted coup have been granted a three-day postponement to their trial for illegal entry into the country, according to their lawyers.

The officers, who landed on Greek soil in a helicopter Saturday and subsequently pleaded political asylum, arrived at court in the northern city of Alexandroupolis at noon local time Monday, handcuffed to each other in pairs and with their faces covered with clothing.

The trial of the eight men, who hold ranks up to that of major, is now expected to begin at noon Thursday, according to judicial officials.

They officially will submit their claim for political asylum Tuesday morning. Turkey’s government has requested the rapid extradition of men it has described as “traitors” to face charges of trying to overthrow the democratic constitution.

Greek government officials hope their country’s legal and asylum systems will process the clashing claims as fast as possible, so that the case doesn’t worsen bilateral relations with Turkey. The two countries, both NATO members, have longstanding tensions over territorial disputes.