No, they've known about it. My understanding from other articles charges were originally dismissed for lack of evidence. Don't think that was in a trial or any proceeding he was present at. He was caught by French special forces in 1994 and subsequently convicted of other attacks. Why recharging this after all these years, and while he's serving a life sentence, not entirely clear. Perhaps simply France making a statement about terrorism.
John Reed-(I think) wanted to return to the U.S. from East Germany and mysteriously died. That guy in Russia-forgot his name- can stay there. Polanski? Him too. Carlos? He should not be given the dignity of a natural death-war criminal. Just find a family member of one of the victims to do the dirty deed.