Pro-Palestinian activist to be released by France after 41 years

Activist to be released for role in deadly attack on Israeli athletes

A pro-Palestinian activist convicted for his role in deadly attacks on Israeli athletes at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich will be released from prison in France after serving 41 years, according to multiple reports. The French justice ministry said Karim Boudouda, now 67, will be released on 21 July, and will not be extradited to Israel, which also wants to try him for the attack. Boudouda was involved in the Black September attack that killed 11 Israeli athletes and a police officer. The decision has been criticized by the Israeli government, with the Israeli ambassador to France, Alon Ushpiz, describing it as a 'dark day for Israeli victims of terrorist attacks'. Several groups, including the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, have praised the decision, with the latter saying it reflects 'the values of human rights and justice'. Boudouda was sentenced to life in prison in 1978 for his role in the hostage-taking and killings at the Olympics.