Would-be papal assassin could be free in January
December 22, 2009
Mehmet Ali Agca, who shot and wounded Pope John Paul II in an assassination attempt in May 1981, will be released from a Turkish prison in January, his lawyer has announced.
Agca, who was convicted of the assault, was imprisoned in Italy until 2000, when—in accordance with a call for amnesty by Pope John Paul II himself—we was granted a pardon for that crime. He was then handed over to authorities in Turkey, to continue serving a sentence for a previous killing there. He will be eligible for release on January 18.
Agca, who has a history of making sensational public statements, generated headlines earlier this year by announcing that he wanted to become a Catholic.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Pope's would-be assassin set to be freed (AFP)
- Agca's lawyer confirms: papal assailant wants to become Catholic (CWN, 5/15)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
