The International Criminal Court on Feb. 7 ordered Libyan officials to hand over the former intelligence chief for Moammar Qaddafi and allow him to meet with his lawyer. The ex-spy chief, Abdullah al-Senussi, has been indicted by the ICC for crimes against humanity stemming from the alleged murders and persecution of Libyan protesters during the Libya conflict and uprising in 2011. Despite the order, however, Libyan authorities continue to contend that the ICC is a court of last resort and that the transfer of al-Senussi is unnecessary given that Libya is prepared to try him in a domestic proceeding. Al-Senussi’s lawyers contend, however, that the former intelligence chief will not receive fair treatment in any Libyan tribunal, thus making an international trial obligatory. If Libya refuses the extradition, the ICC may report the matter to the UN Security Council for investigation.
From Jurist, Feb. 7. Used with permisison.
Libya ex-spy chief held without access to lawyer
Former Libyan intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi has not been able to speak with a lawyer or told what charges he faces during his eight-month detention, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported April 17. HRW was permitted earlier this week to speak to al-Senussi. According to al-Senussi, he has not been subject to physical torture or abuse and he has found the conditions of his detention to be “reasonable.” Said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at HRW:
Justice Minister Salah Marghani, who is overseeing al-Senussi’s detention, claims al-Senussi is permitted a lawyer to defend him but that no lawyers have offered to represent him.
From Jurist, April 17. Used with permission.