Convicted Leader of Militant Group Freed from Prison at 82

Alexandros Giotopoulos, an 82-year-old former leader of a Greek far-left militant group, has been released from prison. He served 17 life sentences for orchestrating acts that resulted in 23 deaths, including that of a C.I.A. officer. His release has sparked outrage among the families of the victims.

Greek media captured footage of Giotopoulos walking in a neighborhood of Athens carrying a plastic bag shortly after his release. His lawyer stated his age played a role in the decision to release him.

Established in 2003, the court concluded that Giotopoulos organized the activities of November 17, which operated from 1975 to 2002. The group was responsible for bombings, assassinations, and robberies. Its victims included industrialists, politicians, and international figures like Richard Welch, a C.I.A. chief stationed in Athens, who was killed in 1975. Giotopoulos has always denied having led the group or being part of its violent acts.

After 24 years in prison, I still wait for an answer to the crucial question: ‘In what place did my moral instigation take place?’

People in Greece sentenced to multiple life terms often get released after around 25 years. Giotopoulos had submitted numerous release requests. Eventually, a judicial panel approved his release, considering his age, declining health, and good behavior. During his time in prison, he pursued postgraduate studies, according to his lawyer, Vasiliki Kamilari.