After 38 years in prison, André Olivier, co-founder of the far-left group Action Directe, has been released under electronic monitoring. This decision was made by the Paris Court of Appeal, which granted him a sentence reduction effective October 14, 2024. Olivier, who is now 81 years old, is the last historical member of Action Directe still incarcerated and one of the oldest prisoners in France. He will remain under home detention for eight months and, if he complies with the conditions, will be conditionally released until June 14, 2035.
Olivier, along with Jean-Marc Rouillan, founded Action Directe in 1979, a Marxist-Leninist group that advocated for armed struggle against the state. The organization claimed responsibility for nearly 80 attacks, initially focusing on material damage before escalating to targeting individuals, including police officers and prominent figures in the arms and financial sectors.
He was arrested in 1986 and sentenced to life imprisonment for multiple robberies and murders. His release marks a significant moment in the history of Action Directe, which was known for its violent actions during the 1980s, including the assassination of notable figures such as arms engineer René Audran and Renault CEO Georges Besse.
