Libya Begins Trial of Gaddafi’s Sons

Libyan prosecutors on Monday prepared to begin the trial of deposed leader Muammar Gaddafi’s two sons, reports Reuters.

Saadi Gaddafi and Saif al-Islam will be tried alongside more than 30 former officials of the Gaddafi regime in the capital city Tripoli’s Al-Hadba prison. The case’s chief investigator, Sidiq al-Sour, said that Saadi would not be present on Monday due to ongoing investigations, but procedures would carry on against the others. They face charges including war crimes and corruption.

Since the overthrow of Gaddafi, Libya has suffered from weak governance, with armed protesters blocking oil exports and former revolutionary fighters refusing to hand over their weapons. Human rights organizations have also expressed concern over the fairness of the North African state’s justice system.

“So far, there have been problems with legal representation. Many of those on trial did not a have a lawyer from the beginning – the cornerstone of a fair trial,” said Hanan Salah, Libya researcher with Human Rights Watch. “If they don’t get fair trials then it casts doubt over whether the new Libya is not about selective justice.”

[Reuters]