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Arrest of Qadhafi’s son vital ‘for the future of justice in Libya’ – UN human rights chief

High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay
High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay

Arrest of Qadhafi’s son vital ‘for the future of justice in Libya’ – UN human rights chief

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights today welcomed the capture of one of the sons of deposed Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhafi as well as the regime’s former chief of intelligence.

Saif al-Islam Qadhafi was reportedly seized on Saturday near the southern town of Obari by forces of Libya’s interim authorities, the National Transitional Council (NTC). Yesterday, reports said the former intelligence chief Abdullah Al Sanousi had also surrendered near the city of Sabha.

“The arrests of al-Qadhafi’s son and the former Director of Military Intelligence have enormous significance for the future of justice in Libya,” High Commissioner Navi Pillay said in a statement.

“Libyans clearly have the right to seek redress for the constant and widespread human rights violations they have suffered for four decades, including during the recent conflict, and to see justice being done,” she added.

Pillay also “warmly welcomed” assurances by Libyan Prime Minister Abdurrahim El Keib that both detainees would be treated “humanely and tried fairly in line with international standards.”

She urged the Libyan authorities to cooperate fully with the ICC in accordance with a Security Council resolution about Libya from earlier this year, in an effort to ensure that those responsible for human rights violations would be held accountable.

Echoing the comments of Christian Wenaweser, the President of State Parties to the 1998 Rome Statute that established the ICC, Ms. Pillay reminded Libyan authorities that should they wish to try those arrested in Libya, they could make their case before the ICC that their national judicial system is “willing and able to do so in an independent and impartial manner.”

In June, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Colonel Muammar al-Qadhafi, Saif al-Islam and Abdullah Al Sanousi for their roles in attacks against protesters, many of whom were killed when opposition forces rose up against the regime.

Colonel al-Qadhafi was killed last month in his hometown of Sirte during the final days of the eight-month-long conflict.