Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, a Lebanese communist militant known for his pro-Palestinian stance, returned to Lebanon on Friday after spending more than 40 years in prison in France.
Now 74, Abdallah had been serving a life sentence for his involvement in the 1982 assassinations of two diplomats—U.S. Army Lt. Col. Charles Ray and Israeli diplomat Yacov Barsimantov—in Paris. He was arrested in 1984 and sentenced in 1987. Despite being eligible for parole since 1999, his numerous release petitions had previously been rejected.
Last week, a Paris Court of Appeal approved his conditional release, requiring him to leave France permanently.
The decision was met with strong criticism from the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Paris posted a photo on social media showing staff standing solemnly around a memorial plaque honoring Ray. “The United States opposes the release of convicted terrorist Georges Ibrahim Abdallah,” the post stated, adding that his freedom threatens U.S. diplomats and dishonors the victims' memories.
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In Lebanon, Abdallah is viewed by many as a political prisoner. Although there was no formal state reception, a large crowd of supporters—including several lawmakers—gathered outside Beirut airport to welcome him. Waving Palestinian and Lebanese Communist Party flags and holding banners that read, “George Abdallah is free — a Lebanese, Palestinian and international freedom fighter,” the crowd erupted in cheers upon his arrival.
Wearing a red shirt and a Palestinian keffiyeh, Abdallah briefly greeted his supporters before heading to his hometown, Qobayat, a Christian village in northern Lebanon. Speaking to the press, he urged Arabs to protest in support of Gaza, condemning inaction amid the suffering there. “Gaza’s children are all walking skeletons,” he said. “Millions of Arabs are just watching.”
Abdallah also called for resistance against Israel, declaring it is “living the final chapters of its existence.”
Israel has not issued any official response to his release.