News and Business

Gaddafi’s Daughter Appeals to ICC

AMSTERDAM – Muammar Gaddafi‘s daughter, Aisha Gaddafi‘s petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on behalf of her brother was rejected on Thursday, 23 January.

The son of the former President is awaiting trial in Libya on rape and murder charges.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, has also been charged with crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Libyan civil war of last year. He attempted to elude capture by fleeing into the Sahara desert disguised as a Bedouin. The ICC insists that al-Islam be tried in The Hague because of their jurisdiction over the case.

Last year the ICC issued a warrant for the arrest of Muammar Gaddafi, Saif al-Islam, and the Libyan leader’s intelligence chief, Abdullah al-Senussi. Because of this, their case takes precedence over Libya’s. The National Transitional Council of Libya is equally vociferous in their assertion that Saif al-Islam should be tried at home.

Supporters of al-Islam are concerned about the impartiality of the Libyan judicial system given the emotional hostilities that remain after the death of President Gaddafi. The ICC rejected Aisha’s request for her brother to receive foreign legal representation. They also rejected a similar request by human rights activist Mishana Hosseinioun stating that both were “misplaced and contrary” to court procedures.

By Ayanna Nahmias

ayannanahmias.com