Chalanset told AFP that the court's decision on Friday is not contingent on the government issuing such an order, calling it "a legal and a political victory". However, under French law, an appeal can suspend the court's decision, effectively deferring its execution.
Over the years, Abdallah's fate has mobilized activists close to the French Communist Party and the far left, who have accused successive governments of employing relentless tactics regarding the political prisoner's release.