Ex-Libyan Spy Chief Tried for Protester Deaths

Photo Credit: Reuters

A court in Tripoli charged Abu Zeid Omar Dorda, the former head of intelligence under Muammar Gaddafi, with ordering attacks on protesters and arming his ethnic group for the purpose of inciting violence, among other allegations. Dorda, the first of Gaddafi’s chief ministers to be tried, denied all charges and will return to court on June 26 to stand trial.

Meanwhile, Tripoli’s international airport remains closed Tuesday after Libyan authorities retook control of the facility from an armed militia group. Authorities arrested between thirty and forty of the militants who set fire to a hangar and several fields. One airport employee was injured and flights will not resume until at least Wednesday.

Additionally, as uncertainty surrounds the actual date of upcoming elections, Umar Khan discussed the standings of the various political parties and possible outcomes. According to Khan, four of the strongest parties are the Muslim Brotherhood-linked Justice and Construction party, the religious Nation party, and two liberal parties, the National Front and the National Forces. However, with 370 parties currently registered, many Libyans are waiting for the campaigns to begin before making a decision.

Also, Assistant Secretary Mike Posner traveled to Libya last week where he met with senior government officials, civil society representatives, and international organizations among others. Talks covered the upcoming elections and challenges in the ongoing transition.