A letter dated December 16, seen by Reuters, reveals that the U.S. Department of Justice strongly opposed the release of Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, a Lebanese militant imprisoned for attacks on American and Israeli diplomats in France over 40 years ago. Abdallah, former leader of the Lebanese Armed Revolutionary Brigade (LARB), was sentenced to life in 1987 for his involvement in the 1982 murders in Paris. The U.S. argued that returning Abdallah to Lebanon would cause instability, citing concerns about public disorder in the region. Despite multiple rejected release requests, a Paris court recently granted his release on condition that he departs France permanently. However, the decision was appealed by France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor, resulting in Abdallah remaining in prison pending a ruling.
The U.S. has consistently opposed Abdallah’s release, despite Lebanese authorities advocating for his freedom. The case has been a point of contention between Paris and Washington, with France treading carefully to avoid straining diplomatic relations. The Department of Justice emphasized that Abdallah’s release could endanger U.S. diplomats, citing his past militant activities. His lawyer defended him, arguing that the militant group he led no longer exists and that Abdallah has not engaged in any violent acts since 1984. The lawyer also asserted Abdallah’s right to resist occupation as a communist activist, criticizing the U.S. for interfering in French judicial proceedings. Requests for comments from the U.S. State Department and Justice Department went unanswered, while France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor declined to comment on the matter.
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