Alexandros Giotopoulos, identified by Greek authorities as the leader of the defunct November 17 urban terror group, was released from prison Thursday afternoon after the Piraeus Appeals Council approved his request for release. A lower judicial council had initially rejected the request, adopting a prosecutor’s negative recommendation. An appeal was later filed and accepted by the appeals council.
The court ordered Giotopoulos released under restrictive conditions, including a ban on leaving the country, mandatory appearances every 15 days at his local police station and a requirement to maintain a permanent residence. The request, his fifth for release, was submitted on October 23, 2025.
Giotopoulos had been serving 17 life sentences and an additional 25-year term after being convicted as a moral instigator in crimes attributed to November 17. He was arrested in 2002 on the island of Lipsi and denied involvement throughout the investigation. He received regular prison leave.
JUSTICE NOVEMBER 17 TERRORISM
