Son of Libya’s Gadhafi Captured

Posted November 19th, 2011 at 8:50 am (UTC-5)
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Libyan military officials say they have captured and detained Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, a fugitive son of former leader Moammar Gadhafi.

A military spokesman said Saturday forces caught Seif al-Islam and several of his aides near the southern town of Obari. The town is near the border of Niger, which has already given asylum to another son of the former Libyan leader, Saadi Gadhafi.

Libyan officials say it appears as though Seif al-Islam's aides were trying to smuggle him into Niger. The country's president, Mahamadou Issoufou, said last week no decision had been about what to do if Seif requested asylum.

The Associated Press quotes Libya's acting justice minister, Mohammed al-Alagi, as saying Seif al-Islam will be transported to Tripoli soon.

Television video from Tripoli on Saturday showed Libyans celebrating news of Seif al-Islam's arrest. He is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity for helping to lead the crackdown on protests during his father's rule.

Last month, ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said the court had been in talks with Seif al-Islam about a possible surrender and making sure he gets a fair trial.