Background of the Case
Lebanese authorities have made a significant decision regarding the son of the late Libyan leader, Moammar Gadhafi. The travel ban imposed on Hannibal Gadhafi has been lifted, and his bail has been reduced, which paves the way for his release. This decision was confirmed by judicial officials and one of his lawyers, who shared details about the case.
The move comes after a visit from a Libyan delegation to Lebanon, where discussions were held regarding the potential release of Gadhafi. These talks reportedly led to progress in resolving the long-standing issue surrounding his detention.
Recent Developments in the Case
In mid-October, a Lebanese judge ordered Gadhafi’s release on a $11 million bail but imposed a travel ban, preventing him from leaving the country. His legal team argued at the time that he could not afford the amount and sought permission for him to leave Lebanon.
On Thursday, the situation changed as his bail was reduced to 80 billion Lebanese pounds (approximately $900,000), and the travel ban was lifted. This allows Gadhafi to leave the country once he pays the bail. According to three judicial officials and one security official, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, Gadhafi has decided to leave Lebanon upon his release. His family is expected to follow him later.
One of Gadhafi’s lawyers, Charbel Milad al-Khoury, stated that they had just been informed of the decision and would discuss the matter further.
Legal Proceedings and Allegations
Gadhafi has been detained in Lebanon for 10 years without trial. He is accused of withholding information about the fate of Lebanese Shiite cleric Moussa al-Sadr, who disappeared during a trip to Libya in 1978. At the time of al-Sadr’s disappearance, Gadhafi was less than three years old, raising questions about the validity of the charges against him.
Libya formally requested Gadhafi’s release in 2023, citing his deteriorating health after he went on a hunger strike to protest his detention without trial. Prior to his arrest, Gadhafi had been living in exile in Syria with his Lebanese wife, Aline Skaf, and their children. However, he was abducted in 2015 by Lebanese militants demanding information about al-Sadr.
The Disappearance of Moussa al-Sadr
After being seized from the northeastern city of Baalbek, Gadhafi was taken to a Beirut jail, where he has remained since. He has faced questioning over the disappearance of al-Sadr, a figure who remains a point of contention in Lebanon.
Al-Sadr, along with companions Abbas Badreddine and Mohammed Yacoub, disappeared during a trip to Libya. He was the founder of a Shiite political and military group that played a significant role in the Lebanese civil war, which began in 1975 and largely involved conflicts between Muslims and Christians.
Legacy of Moammar Gadhafi
Moammar Gadhafi, the late Libyan leader, was killed by opposition fighters during Libya’s 2011 uprising, which turned into a civil war. His death marked the end of his four-decade rule over the North African country.