Notorious French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, known as ‘The Serpent’, has been released from prison in Nepal

French serial killer Charles Sobhraj was released from prison in Nepal on Friday after serving most of his sentence for killing American and Canadian backpackers. His lawyer said he took a flight to Paris.

A ticket was bought with money received from a friend and the French embassy in Kathmandu prepared the necessary travel documents allowing him to fly on Friday evening.

The Supreme Court had ordered Sobhraj’s release because of his poor health and good behavior, and because he had served more than 75% of his sentence.

Life sentences in Nepal are 20 years. The order also stipulated that he must leave the country within 15 days.

Sobhraj is said to have heart disease. In the past, he admitted to killing several Western tourists. He is believed to have killed at least 20 people in Afghanistan, India, Thailand, Turkey, Nepal, Iran and Hong Kong in the 1970s. His 2004 conviction in Nepal was the first time he was found guilty before a tribunal.

His nickname, The Serpent, stems from his reputation for slipping through the net.

For more, watch the Euronews report in the video above.