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AVİM’s Note: This statement by the US Department of State serves as a natural extension of the issues we raised in our commentary that was published recently. We welcome the US Department of State’s statement on this issue, but invite the American government to show the same level of sensitivity against the release of radical Armenian nationalist terrorists. A concrete example for this is Hampig Sassounian, who was released from prison in the US despite never showing signs of repentance for ruthlessly murdering Turkish diplomat Kemal Arıkan in 1982. Soon after his release, Sassounian traveled to Armenia to commingle with extremist political elements there in direct violation of his conditional release in the US.

The US Department of State (29 May 2026)

The United States is deeply disappointed by the Greek Piraeus Court of Appeals’ decision to release Alexandros Giotopoulos, the leader and mastermind of the far-left Greek terrorist organization 17 November.

Over the course of 27 years, 17 November assassinated four American government employees: Richard Welch, Captain George Tsantes, Captain William Nordeen, and Sergeant Ronald Stewart.  The group also murdered a British military attaché, a Turkish embassy employee, and 16 prominent Greeks, including the brother-in-law of current Prime Minister Mitsotakis.

Giotopoulos was sentenced to 17 life terms plus 25 years for orchestrating these brutal murders. He has never taken responsibility or expressed remorse.

We note that on May 25, the Greek Deputy Supreme Court Prosecutor filed an appeal to annul the conditional release because Giotopoulos had not served the minimum required time.  We strongly support these efforts and urge the Greek Government to do all it can to return Giotopoulos to prison.

The families of Richard Welch, George Tsantes, William Nordeen, and Ronald Stewart have carried the burden of these losses for decades. Their loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, and they deserve justice.

Terrorism must never be tolerated or excused. The United States will continue to stand with victims of terrorism and work with our partners to ensure those who commit such heinous acts face full consequences.

https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/05/release-of-alexandros-giotopoulos