Gadaffi lawyer warns ICC on fair trial litmus test
Wednesday 10 October 2012
Printable
EmailSaif Gadaffi's lawyer begged today for the trial of the son of former Libyan dictator Moammar Gadaffi to be heard at the International Criminal Court.
Melinda Taylor told the ICC that his prosecution in Libya would not be "motivated by a desire for justice but a desire for revenge."
She spoke at a hearing to decide whether Saif Gadaffi will be tried in his homeland, where he could be put to death, or in The Hague.
"How can the ICC achieve lasting respect for international law," asked Ms Taylor, "if it cedes jurisdiction to a domestic court which has been organised to convict rather than to achieve justice?"
Libyan government lawyer Ahmed al-Jehani claimed Mr Gadaffi (pictured) would get a fair trial at home, calling the trial "a unique opportunity for national reconciliation for a community that wishes to have justice done at home in Libya."
It could take months for judges to reach a decision, but should they opt for a trial at The Hague it is not clear whether Mr Gadaffi will be released alive by the militia that has held him in the town of Zintan since his capture last November.
If you appreciated this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep developing your paper.
Editorial
Stand by our firefighters
Fire Minister Brandon Lewis probably had a fair idea what Sir Ken Knight would deliver when he asked him to conduct an "independent" report into fire and rescue services in England.
Features
A timely reminder of the long fight ahead
As LGBT activists worldwide celebrate anti-homophobia day we are reminded of prevailing prejudice
Fighting child abuse in the community
Bradford has seen the launch of a new campaign to battle the sources of child sex exploitation - and combat far-right bids to make it a racial issue