After the official announcement by the State Department , a personal statement also came. US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle intervened for the release of Nikos Maziotis through her X account, using particularly sharp language.
“The release of the unrepentant terrorist Nikos Maziotis after 14 years in prison reminds us of the need to remain vigilant against the threat of political violence,” he wrote, republishing the US State Department’s announcement, which states that Maziotis is barred from entering the United States.
Her position was not limited to this specific person. “Maziotis and his comrades, left-wing terrorists, have no place in a civilized society. Their barbaric acts deserve absolute and total condemnation,” she noted, adding that “we will never return to the era of attempted assassination, shootings and bombings, and we will never stop our quest for Justice.”
In concluding the post, the American ambassador turned to the victims and the Greek authorities. “We stand with those affected by terrorism around the world and express our gratitude for the continued efforts of Greek law enforcement authorities to prevent terrorist attacks and bring perpetrators to justice,” she concluded.
This double intervention, at the level of the ministry and the embassy within a few hours, is not common. It is explained, however, by the history of the case. The “Revolutionary Struggle” had repeatedly targeted American interests in Greece, most notably the rocket attack on the US embassy in Athens in 2007, and is included in the American lists of terrorist organizations.
It is worth noting, however, the balance that the post attempts. While the criticism of the release is clear, the Greek law enforcement authorities are not only not offended but are explicitly thanked. The point, in other words, is not directed at Athens but at the very idea of political violence and those who defend it.
