NationStates Jolt Archive

The man who attacked Pope John Paul II in 1981 has been released from prison in Turkey.


Man who shot Pope freed from jail


The Turkish gunman who tried to kill Pope John Paul II nearly 25 years ago has been released from prison.

Mehmet Ali Agca had been imprisoned in the Turkish city of Istanbul for other offences since being extradited in 2000 after 19 years in Italian jails.

The 48-year-old wants to work for democracy upon his release, his lawyer told the Associated Press.

Agca shot the Pope in St Peter's Square in 1981. The pontiff later visited him in jail and publicly forgave him. ...

Full article here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4604362.stm)

Personally, I'm not quite sure what to make of these assertions that he "wants to work for democracy now", but I'm happy to see him released and hope he'll do good and be happy in the rest of his life...

Hmm. I wasn't alive then, but I've studied it in class lots. "Work for democracy", don't know about that either.

I'm happy to see him released and hope he'll do good and be happy in the rest of his life...

So is John Paul II

I believe 25 years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon, or attempted murder is enough.

Poor guy, a bad sniper..
or lack of motivation, perhaps.

Next !

I believe 25 years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon, or attempted murder is enough.

According to the article, his time spent in the Turkish prison was for the murder of a journalist...

Wasn't alive either, "work for democracy" just seems like a way of saying "dont stone me"...

=P

Wasn't alive either, "work for democracy" just seems like a way of saying "dont stone me"...
Agreed. Sounds about right.

He shouldn't have been released, because he murdered someone (a journalist).

He shouldn't have been released, because he murdered someone (a journalist).

Ever been in a Turkish prison??

My guess is he's been punished enough.

Anyways, good for him...hope he follows through with his statement.