Gaddafi’s Son Freed After 10 Years in Lebanon Jail
Hannibal Gaddafi, the son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been released from prison in Lebanon after almost 10 years behind bars. His freedom came after he paid $900,000 as a legal fine set by the Lebanese court.
Who is Hannibal Gaddafi?
Hannibal is one of the sons of Col. Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled Libya until his death in 2011. After his father’s fall, Hannibal fled to Syria with his family, where he lived for about four years before being arrested in December 2015.
Reports say that his arrest happened under unclear circumstances, as Lebanon allegedly sent agents to kidnap him from Syria without proper legal notice.
Why Was He Arrested?
Lebanese authorities accused Hannibal of hiding information about the disappearance of Moussa Sadr, a Shiite religious leader from Lebanon who vanished in 1978 during a visit to Libya.
However, many found the charge unreasonable since Hannibal was only two years old at that time.
Since his arrest, Hannibal remained in jail for years without a proper trial, raising serious questions about justice and political influence in Lebanon.
The Court Decision
According to his lawyer Laurent Bayon, Hannibal was officially freed after paying the $900,000 fine. Initially, the court had ordered him to pay $11 million, but his legal team appealed for a reduction — which the court later accepted.
Laurent Bayon criticized Lebanon’s justice system, saying,
“If a man stays in prison for almost ten years without trial, it shows that justice is not independent.”
What’s Next for Hannibal?
After his release, Hannibal is expected to leave Lebanon and move to another country, though the destination remains unknown. His release has been widely discussed in international media, with many calling it a sign of growing diplomatic flexibility between Libya and Lebanon.
Past Arrest in Switzerland
This is not Hannibal’s first encounter with foreign justice. In 2008, he and his wife were arrested in Geneva, Switzerland, accused of mistreating their domestic staff.
The arrest sparked tensions between Switzerland and Libya, with Libya detaining two Swiss citizens in response — worsening relations between the two nations at that time.
Broader Context
Hannibal’s release comes amid renewed discussions about Libya’s political recovery and human rights after years of instability following his father’s fall. The case also highlights the complex ties between Middle Eastern countries and how old political disputes still affect current relations.
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