Georges Ibrahim Abdallah’s routine in prison on October 25 is like any other day, but this one is special – it marks the 40th anniversary of his detention. Despite being eligible for release for 25 years, the Lebanese activist remains incarcerated for the 1982 assassinations of an American and an Israeli diplomat in Paris.
Abdallah, a pro-Palestinian Marxist, founded the Lebanese Armed Revolutionary Factions and has been denied release 11 times since 2001. His supporters view him as a political prisoner, while his critics label him a terrorist. The French judiciary, under pressure from the US, has consistently rejected his release due to his lack of repentance, refusal to compensate the victims’ families, and perceived threat upon returning to Lebanon.
Despite others involved in political assassinations being released, Abdallah remains behind bars, facing obstacles even when granted parole in 2013. His case sheds light on the long-standing debate between justice, politics, and international pressure in the French legal system.