Life in prison for ‘the Jackal’

A French court has convicted the man known as “Carlos the Jackal”, once the world’s mostwanted fugitive, of a deadly 1974 attack on a Paris shopping arcade and sentenced him to life in prison for the third time.

The Venezuelan-born Ilich Ramirez Sanchez is already serving two life sentences in France for murders and attacks he was convicted of perpetrating or organising on behalf of the Palestinian cause or of communist revolution in the 1970s and 80s.

His lawyers, who had pleaded for acquittal, said they will appeal the latest verdict – though the third life sentence does not affect how long he will stay behind bars.

A few hours before the decision was returned, the 67-year-old known worldwide as Carlos took the floor one last time and denounced “an

“Let them know the victims will never give up”

absurd trial” for a 42year-old crime.

He had denied involvement, saying there was no proof against him or direct witnesses.

Five judges found Carlos, the only defendant in the case, guilty of throwing a grenade into a shopping area in the French capital’s Latin Quarter.

Two people were killed and 34 injured at the trendy Drugstore Publicis.

The lawyer for the two dead victims’ families, Georges Holleaux, said that “today we are extremely relieved”.

“The evidence exists, it’s overwhelming, itwas recognized (by court) and justice is done,” said Mr Holleaux.

“Today’s verdict is proof that there is nowhere, never, impunity if one is ready to fight. Let perpetrators of terrorist crimes know it: now the victims will never give up.”