New York, NY, May 14, 1998…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) urged the Government of Italy to bring the convicted mastermind of the 1985 Achille Lauro hijacking to justice. Abu Abbas, convicted in absentia by an Italian court in 1986 of the hijacking and the murder of American passenger Leon Klinghoffer, resurfaced in Gaza last week.

In a letter to Ambassador Ferdinando Salleo, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, and Lisa and Ilsa Klinghoffer, daughters of Leon Klinghoffer, said, "It is important that the government of Italy demonstrate that Mr. Abbas will not escape punishment for his outrageous act. We urge the Government of Italy to pursue all means available to bring this convicted terrorist to justice."

In October 1985 Palestinian terrorists hijacked the Italian registered Achille Lauro cruise ship for three days with some 450 passengers on board. Mr. Abbas, at large since 1986, is believed to have been living in Iraq.

The ADL, through its Leon and Marilyn Klinghoffer Memorial Foundation and William and Naomi Gorowitz Institute on terrorism and extremism, works to combat the threat of terrorism through educational, political and legal means.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.