US Condemns Greek Terror Leader Release Decision
The United States has expressed strong opposition to a Greek court ruling that granted conditional release to Alexandros Giotopoulos, the convicted leader of the now-defunct 17 November terrorist organization, calling for his return to prison.
In a statement issued on May 29, the US State Department said it was deeply disappointed by the decision of the Piraeus Court of Appeals, which approved Giotopoulos’ release under conditional terms.
Giotopoulos, convicted in 2003 as the mastermind of the 17 November group, received multiple life sentences plus additional prison years for orchestrating a long-running campaign of assassinations and bombings in Greece. The group was responsible for attacks targeting both domestic and foreign officials over several decades.
The 82-year-old was recently released from an Athens prison after a judicial panel cited his advanced age in granting conditional release. However, the decision has since been challenged by Greek prosecutors, who argue that he has not served the required minimum sentence.
The US State Department emphasized that victims of the group included American government personnel, British and Turkish officials, and several prominent Greek figures. Washington reiterated its position that terrorism should not be excused under any circumstances.
US officials also voiced support for legal efforts to reverse the ruling, urging Greek authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure Giotopoulos is returned to custody.
The case has reignited international attention on the 17 November organization, which carried out a series of high-profile attacks before being dismantled by Greek authorities in the early 2000s, marking one of Europe’s most notorious domestic militant campaigns.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE