Georges Abdallah, a 73-year-old Lebanese communist, has been imprisoned in France since 1984. Despite having completed his sentence, France has consistently refused to release him. In November 2024, a French court once again approved his release, yet he remains incarcerated.
Even though the French Enforcement Court decided in mid-November that Georges Abdallah, the longest-held political prisoner, should be released by next February, the “Office of External Litigation at the US Department of Justice” is vigorously appealing the decision. They have labeled the ruling as “extremely dangerous” and argue it is not in the interests of the United States, France, or Lebanon.
This situation has persisted for 40 years, marked by significant intrigue and politicization, and stands in stark violation of French laws. Under these laws, individuals sentenced to life imprisonment are supposed to be released after a maximum of 18 years, meaning Abdallah’s release was legally due in 1999.
