Qadhafi’s Son Set for September Trial

Photo Credit: Reuters

Despite his preference to be tried in the International Criminal Court, Saif al-Islam Qadhafi will be tried in Libya in September, according to a Libyan prosecution spokesman. He is scheduled to face trial in the town of Zintan, where he has been held since his capture last year. The spokesman said, “A committee from the prosecutor general’s office has completed its investigation into the crimes committed by Saif al-Islam from the start of the revolution on February 15 (2011) and has prepared the charge sheet.” Meanwhile, the Libyan government has seized more than 100 tanks from a militia loyal said to be loyal to Qadhafi. This occurred as tribal clashes claimed more than a dozen lives in the country as security concerns remain. British Petroleum also announced that it will restart oil exploration in Libya starting in 2013.

Additionally, Umar Khan suggests that Libya’s reconciliation efforts are essential for the country’s future, and that “The marginalization of people based on their affiliation with the previous regime will only harm the future prospects of Libya.” John Hooper offers an account of an asylum seeker in Libya who has endured horrific conditions and have “been powerless to defend themselves from armed and leaderless former rebel militiamen in the camp where they were dumped.”