The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded statement following the release of Alexandros Giotopoulos, expressing Ankara’s strong reaction to the decision by the Greek authorities.
In a post, the Turkish Foreign Ministry “strongly condemns” the release of the convicted leader of the November 17 group, noting that he had been sentenced to 17 life terms and an additional 25 years in prison for murders and attempted murders.
The Turkish side notes that the “leniency” shown toward a “notorious terrorist,” as it characterizes Giotopoulos, who—as it notes—organized attacks and murders against Turkish diplomats, constitutes a “grave insult” to the memory of the victims and their families.
At the same time, Ankara calls on the Greek government to avoid actions that, in its view, could undermine the fight against terrorism and urges Athens to fulfill its obligations regarding the punishment of convicted terrorists.
The statement by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs brings back into the spotlight one of the most sensitive aspects of Greek-Turkish relations, as the November 17 group’s activities had previously provoked strong reactions from Turkey due to attacks against Turkish diplomatic officials in Athens.