An 82-year-old man has been released from prison after serving 17 life sentences for leading a militant group responsible for 23 deaths, including those of industrialists, politicians, and a C.I.A. officer. The release of Alexandros Giotopoulos has sparked outrage among the relatives of the victims.
On Thursday evening, Greek television captured footage of Giotopoulos walking through an Athens neighborhood, shortly after his release. His lawyer explained the release was due to his age and other considerations.
In 2003, a court declared Giotopoulos the mastermind of November 17, a militant group active in Greece from 1975 to 2002. This group carried out multiple bombings, assassinations, and bank robberies.
The group’s victims included Richard Welch, a C.I.A. station chief, who was killed in 1975. Throughout his imprisonment, Giotopoulos has denied leading the group or participating in its killings.
In a statement to Documento, a newspaper, Giotopoulos expressed his ongoing demand for answers about his alleged involvement, questioning the evidence of his moral instigation.
In Greece, prisoners serving multiple life sentences are typically released after about 25 years. Giotopoulos had filed multiple petitions for release. A judicial panel finally granted one, citing his age, deteriorating health, and good behavior during his time in prison. His lawyer, Vasiliki Kamilari, mentioned his completion of postgraduate studies while incarcerated.
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