Gaddafi son set to go on trial in Libya

21 Aug 2012, 8:46 am   -   Source: AAP

Libya says it will put Muammar Gaddafi's son on trial, defying a demand by the International Criminal Court.

Libya will put deposed dictator Muammar Gaddafi's son on trial, defying a demand by the International Criminal Court, the Libyan representative to the Hague court says.

Ahmed al-Jehani said the trial of Saif al-Islam will begin next month. One possible venue is Zintan, a town in the western mountains, where he is being held.

Saif was considered his father's political heir. The ICC issued an arrest warrant and demanded to try him on war crimes. Libya has argued that its new regime should try him.

He was captured last year by a militia from the western mountain town of Zintan, where he has been held ever since.

A Zintan militia has been holding Saif. Local spokesman Khaled al-Zintani said on Monday a government delegation would inspect the town before a decision is made on whether to try him there.

The ICC has expressed concern that Libya is not set up to give the younger Gaddafi a fair trial. During his four decades of rule, Muammar Gaddafi dismantled most institutions, setting himself up as the sole ruler.

After Gaddafi's overthrow, capture and killing last year, interim rulers struggled to unite the country, leaving powerful militias and tribes in control of various areas.

A newly elected parliament is working on appointing a cabinet after choosing a president. Among its main tasks is to build a functioning judiciary.

Libya has insisted that it is capable of putting on a proper trial for Saif.

He has expressed a preference to be extradited to the Hague for trial.

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