Hijacker Who Accused Abbas May Be Slayer of Klinghoffer

A hijacker of the Achille Lauro who is reportedly cooperating with investigators may be the one who killed American passenger Leon Klinghoffer, Italian newspapers reported today.

The newspapers, quoting unnamed sources, said the story could not be officially confirmed and that investigating magistrates are refusing to make any comment.

Il Giornale of Milan, a conservative daily, said in its front page headline that “the killer of Klinghoffer is the pirate who accuses Abul Abbas.”

According to unconfirmed newspaper reports Wednesday, the repentant hijacker had told investigators that the hijacking was masterminded by Abbas, a PLO official sought by the United States for allegedly directing the hijacking. (Story, Page 4.)

The newspapers reported that the hijacker had been separated at his own request from his three colleagues and transferred from a maximum security prison in Spoleto to an undisclosed location.

Il Giornale and several other newspapers said he is probably the youngest of the hijackers, believed in his late teens or early 20s.

The newspaper said the hijacker “felt betrayed by his leaders and may be hoping for a reduced sentenced. . . . (He) began to spill the beans.” All four hijackers are charged with kidnaping and murder and face life sentences.

However, Corriere della Sera, Italy’s largest newspaper, pointed out that all the reports were unconfirmed and tentative.