Jean-Luc Kister
Jean-Luc Kister is a former combat diver with the French Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE) who gained notoriety for his involvement in the bombing of the Greenpeace ship, the Rainbow Warrior, in 1985. In a recent podcast titled 'Rainbow Warrior: A Forgotten History,' Kister revealed details about the rushed preparations and execution of the operation, which resulted in the death of photographer Fernando Pereira and sparked international outrage. He reflected on the chaotic decision-making process at the highest levels of the French government and expressed feelings of betrayal by political leaders who orchestrated the attack in a bid to send a strong message to Greenpeace.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Colonel Jean-Luc Kister was involved in placing the bombs on the hull of the Rainbow Warrior.
French President Francois Mitterrand gave green light to bombing – Rainbow Warrior: A Forgotten History
New Zealand· 2025-08-06
Jean Luc Kister, one of the pair of combat divers who planted the bombs on the Rainbow Warrior, explains that the team was given orders to drop the bottles in Auckland Harbour.
Black pantyhose helped NZ police nail French spies – Rainbow Warrior: A Forgotten HistoryNew Zealand· 2025-07-30
Jean Luc Kister, the man who planted the bombs on the Rainbow Warrior, discussed the failed evacuation plan involving a French nuclear submarine.
Why French spies’ getaway nuclear sub plan collapsed – Rainbow Warrior: A Forgotten HistoryNew Zealand· 2025-07-17
Jean-Luc Kister is a former DGSE combat diver who planted the bombs on the Rainbow Warrior.
French diver who planted bombs reveals why – Rainbow Warrior: A Forgotten HistoryNew Zealand· 2025-07-09