The Palestinian Authority (PA) is reportedly in the final stages of extraditing Hisham Harb to France, where he is wanted in connection with a crime allegedly committed nearly 43 years ago. PA President Mahmoud Abbas revealed in an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro that the legal procedures for the handover are nearing completion.
Abbas justified the potential extradition by citing France’s recognition of the State of Palestine, which he claims has created a suitable framework for judicial cooperation. His remarks came on the sidelines of a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris, where they discussed various political and judicial matters, including the Harb case.
The Élysée Palace has indicated that there are no legal obstacles to the extradition, but rather issues concerning its practical implementation, alluding to ongoing coordination with the Palestinian side to ensure due legal process.
The case against Hisham Harb dates back to August 9, 1982, when an explosion and shooting occurred at the Jo Goldenberg restaurant in the Jewish quarter of Paris, resulting in the deaths of six people and injuries to 22 others. According to French investigations, Hisham Harb, who was then a member of the Fatah – Revolutionary Council faction led by Sabri al-Banna (Abu Nidal), is suspected of playing a central role in planning and overseeing the operation.
French authorities believe that between three and five individuals carried out the attack. France has issued international arrest warrants for three suspects, including Zuhair Muhammad Hassan Khalid al-Abbasi, known as ‘Amjad Atta,’ who was arrested in Jordan in 2015 but later released on bail, and Walid Abd al-Rahman Abu Zaid, known as ‘Suhail Othman,’ who resides in Norway and was arrested by Norwegian authorities in 2020. Hisham Harb is the third suspect.
The Abu Nidal Organization was active during the 1970s and 1980s and claimed responsibility for a series of attacks around the world, resulting in at least 900 deaths, according to a previous report. Abu Nidal himself died in Iraq.
