The United States has strongly condemned France for releasing Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, a Lebanese terrorist convicted in 1987. Abdallah murdered Israeli diplomat Yaakov Bar-Simantov in Paris and was linked to other attacks in the 1980s. He spent nearly 40 years in a French prison before his release, which sparked strong international backlash.
On Friday, the U.S. State Department expressed deep disappointment. A spokesperson called the release of Abdallah “deeply troubling” and said it undermined justice. American officials stressed that freeing a convicted terrorist sends the wrong message and weakens global efforts against terrorism. They also noted that Abdallah never showed remorse for his crimes.
Israel also criticized the decision. Officials in Jerusalem said the release shocked and angered them. They described Abdallah as a cold-blooded killer and claimed the move dishonored the victims and hurt counterterrorism efforts worldwide.
French authorities arrested Abdallah in 1984. In 1987, a court sentenced him to life in prison for his role in Bar-Simantov’s assassination. Authorities also tied him to other violent plots. Over the years, activists pushed for his release, but political resistance blocked each attempt.
Human rights groups in Lebanon and parts of France supported Abdallah. They argued that he had served enough time and labeled him a political prisoner. Supporters saw his actions as part of resistance during the Lebanese civil war. Upon his return to Lebanon, crowds welcomed him, and celebrations broke out in his honor.
However, both the U.S. and Israel said these celebrations deepened the victims’ families’ pain. They warned that honoring a terrorist promotes hatred and weakens peace efforts. The U.S. pledged continued support for victims of terrorism and vowed to hold terrorists accountable.
The French government issued only a brief statement confirming Abdallah’s release and deportation. It did not explain the timing or address possible political pressures behind the decision.
U.S. officials continue to express frustration. They said they would work with international partners to ensure terrorists face justice. They also urged other countries not to celebrate individuals convicted of violent crimes.
The release of Georges Abdallah has reignited debate over justice, politics, and diplomacy. Many observers believe this decision could strain France’s ties with both the U.S. and Israel. For now, the focus remains on honoring victims and preventing future acts of terror.
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