Yannis-Vasilis Yailali, a Turkish citizen with Pontic roots, is at risk of deportation following the rejection of his initial asylum application in Greece. His case has sparked immediate backlash from Pontic organizations, academics, and political figures who demand a reassessment of his situation. Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum, Thanus Plevris, has called for a thorough investigation of Yailali's case, emphasizing that the Asylum Service operates independently according to European and national laws.

Yailali has been living in Greece since 2019, but the Asylum Service determined that he does not meet the conditions for international protection, claiming that there is no evidence of risk of persecution in Turkey. In contrast, Yailali argues that he has 13 ongoing legal cases and outstanding arrest warrants against him in Turkey, which he believes justify his need for asylum. His claims have brought attention to the difficulties faced by individuals with connections to persecuted minorities.

The process to contest the rejection of an asylum request allows only the applicant to file an appeal within 30 days. This legal framework raises questions about the effectiveness of the asylum system in Greece, especially for individuals like Yailali, whose background complicates their legal status. The growing support for him indicates a concern over the implications of deportation for those linked to vulnerable communities, highlighting the broader challenges facing asylum seekers in Europe.