Lebanese fighter supportive of Palestine released from French prison after serving 40 years.
Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, a prominent Lebanese figure known for his pro-Palestinian activism, has been released from French custody after nearly four decades of incarceration. His release marks a significant milestone, both for Abdallah himself and for the ongoing discourse surrounding the Palestinian cause.
On Friday morning, a convoy departed from the Lannemezan prison in southern France, carrying the 74-year-old activist who had been imprisoned since 1984. Journalists from ZezapTV reported that he was subsequently flown to Beirut, a moment that underscores the complexities surrounding issues of justice, nationality, and activism within the context of Middle Eastern politics.
Abdallah’s conviction in 1987 for the killings of U.S. military attaché Charles Robert Ray and Israeli diplomat Yacov Barsimantov in Paris has long been a focal point of contention. Despite his lengthy eligibility for release, previous applications had consistently been denied, often attributed to external political pressures, notably from the United States, which was involved as a civil party in his case.
In a recent ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal, Abdallah was granted release under the stipulation that he leave France and not return. His attorney, Jean-Louis Chalanset, conveyed that Abdallah expressed happiness at his release, even as he returns to a challenging environment for both Lebanese and Palestinian populations.
Abdallah is recognized as the founder of the Lebanese Revolutionary Armed Factions, and despite possessing arms at the time of his arrest, he has never condemned his past actions. He has consistently identified as a “fighter” advocating for Palestinian rights, disavowing the label of a criminal. The Paris court highlighted that Abdallah’s conduct in prison had been exemplary, determining that he posed no significant risk for future acts of terrorism.
The court’s assessment also noted the lengthy duration of Abdallah’s incarceration, deeming his continued imprisonment disproportionate to the circumstances. In France, individuals serving life sentences often secure release after serving less than 30 years, which further amplifies the gravity of his situation.
Upon arrival in Lebanon, Abdallah’s family is set to welcome him at Beirut’s airport, before returning to his hometown of Kobayat, where a reception is planned. Abdallah’s story resonates deeply within the broader narrative of struggle and resilience found in the Palestinian and Lebanese communities, reinforcing the enduring quest for justice in a region fraught with contention.
This significant development not only highlights the ongoing challenges faced by activists but also serves to amplify the voices advocating for Palestinian rights on an international stage.
#WorldNews #MiddleEastNews
