United States expresses concern over release of Alexandros Giotopoulos

The United States Department of State has expressed deep disappointment regarding the decision of the Piraeus Court of Appeal to release Alexandros Giotopoulos. Giotopoulos was previously convicted as the leader of the '17 November' terrorist organization and sentenced to 17 life terms plus 25 years. The U.S. government emphasized that the organization was responsible for the murders of four American officials: Richard Welch, George Tsantes, William Nordeen, and Ronald Stewart over a 27-year period. Furthermore, the organization is cited as having killed a British military attaché, a Turkish embassy employee, and 16 Greek citizens. Washington is exerting pressure on the Greek government to reverse the decision. The case highlights ongoing diplomatic friction regarding the handling of convicted members of the group.