The United States has expressed strong disappointment over a decision by Greece’s Piraeus Court of Appeals to release Alexandros Giotopoulos, the convicted leader of the far-left terrorist organization 17 November.
In a statement issued by the U.S. State Department on May 29, Washington described Giotopoulos as the “leader and mastermind” of the group, which carried out a series of deadly attacks over nearly three decades.
According to the statement, 17 November was responsible for the assassination of four American government employees: Richard Welch, Captain George Tsantes, Captain William Nordeen and Sergeant Ronald Stewart. The organization also killed a British military attaché, a Turkish embassy employee and 16 prominent Greeks, including the brother-in-law of Greece’s current prime minister.
Giotopoulos was sentenced to 17 life terms plus an additional 25 years in prison for his role in orchestrating the killings. The U.S. noted that he has never accepted responsibility for his crimes or expressed remorse.
Washington also pointed to a legal challenge filed on May 25 by Greece’s Deputy Supreme Court Prosecutor seeking to overturn the conditional release. According to the U.S. statement, the appeal argues that Giotopoulos had not served the minimum required prison term.
“The United States strongly supports these efforts,” the statement said, urging the Greek government to do everything possible to return Giotopoulos to prison.
The State Department emphasized the long-lasting impact of the attacks on the families of the victims, particularly the relatives of the four American officials killed by the organization.
“Their loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, and they deserve justice,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its position on counterterrorism, the United States said terrorism must never be tolerated or excused and pledged to continue supporting victims of terrorist violence while working with international partners to ensure those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.
