Advertisements
Home News U.S. Urges France To Keep Lebanese Militant In Prison Amid Diplomatic Tensions

U.S. Urges France To Keep Lebanese Militant In Prison Amid Diplomatic Tensions

by Celia

The U.S. Department of Justice has strongly opposed the release of Lebanese militant Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, who has been imprisoned in France for over 40 years. Abdallah was convicted for his role in the 1982 murders of U.S. military attache Charles Ray and Israeli diplomat Yacov Barsimantov, as well as the 1984 attempted murder of U.S. Consul General Robert Homme.

Advertisements

In a letter dated December 16, 2022, just three days before an appeals court hearing in Paris, the U.S. government argued that Abdallah’s release would significantly destabilize the already volatile Middle East region. The U.S. further warned that sending him back to Lebanon, particularly his hometown of Qobayyat, could lead to public disorder and escalate tensions.

Advertisements

Abdallah, now 73, has spent over three decades in prison since his 1987 conviction for his involvement in the attacks. Despite his long imprisonment, French courts have rejected his release multiple times over the years. However, in November, a Paris court approved his conditional release, stipulating that he must leave France and not return. Abdallah, a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, has reportedly been a model prisoner and has not posed a significant risk of re-engaging in terrorism.

Advertisements

France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor quickly appealed the decision, preventing his immediate release. The Paris appeals court held a hearing on December 19, with a ruling expected on February 20. U.S. officials have repeatedly voiced their concerns, citing Abdallah’s previous remarks about returning to Lebanon as evidence that his release could pose a security threat. They also emphasized his unrepentant stance on violence against those he considers to be occupying Lebanon.

Abdallah’s defense lawyer, Jean-Louis Chalanset, dismissed these concerns as unfounded, noting that the Lebanese Armed Revolutionary Brigade (LARB) had ceased operations decades ago. He argued that Abdallah’s resistance to foreign occupation was his legitimate right, protected by international conventions. Chalanset also criticized U.S. interference, calling it an unacceptable attempt to dictate French judicial decisions.

The case remains a sensitive diplomatic issue, with the U.S. and Lebanon at odds over Abdallah’s fate. While Lebanese officials, including former President Michel Aoun, have called for his release, the French government is caught in a delicate balancing act between its relationship with Washington and Lebanon’s request.

As the February ruling approaches, Abdallah’s case continues to highlight the complexities of international diplomacy, terrorism, and the limits of national sovereignty.

Read more:

Advertisements

You may also like

logo

Bilkuj is a comprehensive legal portal. The main columns include legal knowledge, legal news, laws and regulations, legal special topics and other columns.

「Contact us: [email protected]

© 2023 Copyright bilkuj.com