ICC demands Libya hands over Gaddafi's son

International Criminal Court prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda demanded on Tuesday the Libyan authorities to immediately hand over Saif al-Islam Gaddafi to face crimes against humanity charges.

Saif al-Islam, the son of the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is being tried on several charges in Zintan Court in Western Libya including threatening national security.

ICC has issued two arrest warrants for Gaddafi’s son on crimes against humanity charges, during his father’s rule which exceeded 40 years.

Bensouda told the UN Security Council that she “regrets” Libya’s refusal in granting her request.

The prosecutor went on to express her “concerns over emerging reports of acts of torture, ill-treatment and killings being committed in illegal detention centres run by non- state circles in Libya”, adding that “illegal arrests and torture should not have a place in modern Libya while those allegedly involved in such acts should be investigated and prosecuted”.

Bensouda also pointed out that “Libya needs assistance to achieve its aspirations of transition to democracy and rule of law”.