A Lebanese judicial source familiar with Hannibal Gaddafi's case stated that the legal reasons for his detention since 2015 still stand. The source emphatically denied Libyan allegations of mistreatment, reminding that he is detained in a criminal case, not as a tourist. The source confirmed that he is in a prison with suitable conditions regarding ventilation, lighting, and needs that are not available to Lebanese prisoners. The source urged to stop the political exploitation of this file.
It was emphasized that Hannibal continues to refuse to cooperate with the investigating judge regarding the kidnapping of Imam Musa Sadr and his companions, withholding information he possesses about the case. Furthermore, Libyan authorities ignore Lebanese judicial requests to allow Judge Zaheer Hamada to interrogate Libyan figures involved in the kidnapping and disappearance of Sadr and his companions in 1978.
The source stated that Hannibal enjoys all the rights granted to any prisoner, and he receives notable attention regarding his detention conditions and medical care, with regular visits allowed from his wife and children. It was pointed out that the son of Gaddafi possesses important information about Imam Sadr and is aware of the political prisons to which he was transferred, having previously reported that Sadr remained detained for several years in Janzour Prison after his kidnapping.
The source stressed that the Lebanese judiciary has no intention of proceeding with the arrest of Gaddafi's son or seeking revenge against him. It was indicated that once the investigation is completed and he provides any information, consideration for his release could occur. If Libyan authorities fulfill their promises of assistance, as mentioned in the cooperation memorandum, then their demands for Hannibal's release could be met. Unfortunately, this case is being exploited to exert pressure on the Lebanese judiciary and to portray Hannibal as a political detainee according to "Asharq Al-Awsat."
