Greek Guerrilla Leader Alexandros Giotopoulos Freed After Decades Behind Bars

On 21 May 2026, 82-year-old Alexandros Giotopoulos was released from Korydallos high-security prison after a judicial panel approved a 2025 request citing health concerns. Giotopoulos, the leader of the Marxist urban-guerrilla group November 17, was arrested in 2002 when police dismantled the organization. An appeals court in 2007 sentenced him to 17 life terms plus 25 years for a 27-year campaign of assassinations. The release order obliges him to remain in Greece, reside at a designated address, and report regularly to police.

The Straits TimesReuters

The group took its name from the 1973 date when Greece’s military junta violently suppressed a student uprising. Its first recorded killing occurred in 1975, targeting CIA station chief Richard Welch. Initially, November 17 focused on senior Greek officials and foreign diplomats. In the 1980s it expanded to bombings and bank robberies, broadening its violent repertoire. Police operations in 2002 effectively ended the organization’s activity.

Reuters

The organization carried out 23 killings between 1975 and 2000. Victims included CIA station chief Richard Welch (1975), a U.S. Navy captain, a Turkish diplomat, and British defense attaché Stephen Saunders (2000). In addition to assassinations, the group executed numerous bombings and bank robberies throughout the 1980s, reflecting a diversified violent strategy.

Reuters

The judicial panel’s approval was based on Giotopoulos’ reported health issues. The ruling requires him to stay within Greek territory, live at a specified residence, and appear at a police station on a regular schedule. Police sources confirmed the release; no further official comment from the Greek government appeared in the reports.

Reuters

• “ATHENS, May 21 (Reuters) - The mastermind of defunct Greek guerilla group November 17, which carried out a 27-year campaign of assassinations, has been released from jail, two police sources ?said on Thursday.” — Reuters

Reuters

• “He denied wrongdoing but an appeals' court in 2007 sentenced him to 17 life terms and 25 years imprisonment.” — Reuters

The Straits Times

• “The group was behind 23 killings that started in 1975 with the fatal shooting of Richard Welch, a CIA station chief in Athens.” — Reuters

The Straits Times

• “Giotopoulos faces conditions including having to stay in the country, reside at the address provided to authorities and appear at a police station regularly.” — Reuters

The Straits Times

Greek authorities will enforce the residency and reporting conditions imposed by the judicial panel. The release was granted on health grounds, as reported by police sources.

Reuters