Georges Abdallah to Be Freed After 40 Years
A French court has ordered the release of pro-Palestinian Lebanese fighter Georges Ibrahim Abdallah. He has spent 40 years in prison. The court ruled he will be freed on July 25, on the condition that he leaves France permanently.
The Paris Appeals Court made the decision despite decades of political pressure. Abdallah, now 74, was jailed in 1987 for aiding in the murders of two diplomats in France. He was also accused in the attempted killing of a US diplomat in 1984.
The French court orders release of pro-Palestinian fighter only if Abdallah agrees never to return to French territory.
A Controversial and Delayed Decision
Abdallah has been eligible for release for over 25 years. But pressure from the US and Israel had blocked all previous attempts. His lawyer, Jean-Louis Chalanset, called it both a “judicial victory” and a “political scandal.”
His brother expressed joy and surprise. “We never thought this day would come,” he told reporters in Lebanon. Lebanese officials have confirmed they will arrange Abdallah’s return home.
Although prosecutors may appeal the ruling, it’s unlikely to stop next week’s release.
A Fighter, Not a Criminal
Abdallah has never shown remorse. He says he fought for Palestinian rights, not as a criminal but as a revolutionary. The court has noted his behavior in prison has been flawless. It also stated he poses no serious threat today.
In November, a judge said his continued detention was unjustified. Supporters of Abdallah, including MPs and author Annie Ernaux, say his release is long overdue. Still, the general public in France has largely forgotten his case.
For now, his long and controversial chapter in French legal history may be nearing its end. So, French court orders release of pro-Palestinian fighter
