State Department intervention on Giotopoulos: “Do everything possible to return him to prison”

With a particularly sharp statement, the US openly intervenes in the issue of Giotopoulos’ release, exerting strong pressure on Athens.

Washington, through an official State Department statement, expresses deep disappointment and calls on Athens to do everything in its power to return the man convicted as the “leader” of “November 17” behind bars.

“We strongly support this effort and urge the Greek government to do whatever is possible to ensure Giotopoulos returns to prison,” the announcement states.

This is not the first US intervention regarding this decision. A few days ago, in a statement to ERT, a State Department representative said that the US stands in solidarity with the families and friends of the November 17 victims.

State Department Statement

“The United States is deeply disappointed by the decision of the Piraeus Five-Member Court of Appeal to release Alexandros Giotopoulos, the leader and mastermind of the Greek far-left terrorist organization ‘November 17’. Over 27 years, ‘November 17’ murdered four American government employees: Richard Welch, Captain George Tsantes, Captain William Nordeen, and Sergeant Ronald Stewart. The organization also killed a British military attaché, a Turkish embassy employee, and 16 prominent Greeks, including the son-in-law of the current Prime Minister Mitsotakis.

Giotopoulos was sentenced to 17 life terms plus an additional 25 years for orchestrating these heinous murders. He never accepted responsibility nor expressed remorse.

On May 25, the Deputy Prosecutor of the Supreme Court filed an appeal against the conditional release decision, as Giotopoulos had not served the minimum required time. We strongly support these efforts and urge the Greek government to do everything possible to ensure Giotopoulos returns to prison.

The families of Richard Welch, George Tsantes, William Nordeen, and Ronald Stewart bear the burden of these losses for decades. Their loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our nation and deserve justice.

Terrorism must never be tolerated or justified. The United States will continue to stand with the victims of terrorism and cooperate with our partners to ensure that those who commit such atrocious acts face the full consequences of the law.”