Libyan interim PM assures fair trial of Gaddafi’s son (Lead)
November 20th, 2011 - 8:00 am ICT by IANSTripoli (Libya), Nov 20 (IANS) Libyan interim Prime Minister Abdel Rahim el-Keeb has confirmed the capture of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam and assured a fair trial for him, Xinhua reported Sunday.
Saif al-Islam was arrested Saturday in southern Libya and then brought by plane to the northwestern town of Zintan, where the angry crowd attempted to storm the aircraft.
“We assure Libyans and the world that Saif al-Islam will receive a fair trial,” he said during a televised news conference held in the western Libyan town of Zintan, where Saif al-Islam is being kept in custody.
Russia Saturday expressed hope that Saif al-Islam would receive a fair trial, RIA Novosti reported.
“The international community today keeps close watch on Libyan authorities’ ability to defend the results of war victory since the compliance with the generally accepted rules of treating captives is the key factor of this ability,” Russia’s presidential envoy to Africa Mikhail Margelov said.
Gaddafi’s son has been on the run since the National Transitional Council’s forces took over Tripoli in late August.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued warrants June 27 against him, his father and former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi on charges of crimes against humanity.
Russian envoy also praised Libyan leaders for not handing al-Islam to the crowd that could lynch him just like it happened with his father near his home town of Sirte late October.
The ICC said that Libya should surrender Saif al-Islam. However, the ICC did not rule out that Gaddafi’s son would be tried in Libya rather than in The Hague.
Libyan interim government however wants a trial for Saif al-Islam only on Libyan territory.
Saif’s father Muammar Gaddafi was killed Oct 20 soon after his capture by rebel forces during the final battle for his hometown Sirte.
Gaddafi ruled Libya for over four decades till he was overthrown in a popular revolution that started in February.
- Russia urges fair trial for captured Saif al-Islam - Nov 20, 2011
- Gaddafi's son Saif captured - Nov 19, 2011
- Gaddafi's son to stand trial in September - Aug 24, 2012
- Gaddafi's son will face justice: ICC prosecutor - Nov 10, 2011
- Gaddafi's son ready to surrender in international court - Oct 27, 2011
- Libya to seek ex spy chief's extradition (Lead, Changing Dateline) - Mar 18, 2012
- Gaddafi's youngest son Khamis still alive? - Nov 22, 2011
- Rebels tighten grip on Tripoli, capture Gaddafi's sons - Aug 22, 2011
- Gaddafi's son offered rebels $2 bn for his release - Nov 20, 2011
- Interpol issues arrest warrants against Gaddafi - Sep 09, 2011
- Gaddafi hiding in western border area: Rebels - Sep 28, 2011
- Finally, a hunted Gaddafi bleeds to death - Oct 20, 2011
- Fugitive Libyan ex-spy chief extradited from Mauritania - Sep 06, 2012
- Gaddafi's fugitive son says he is innocent - Oct 29, 2011
- International Criminal Court seeks Gaddafi's arrest - May 16, 2011
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