Libya’s Minister of Justice, Halima Abdulrahman, has accused unnamed Lebanese parties of obstructing efforts to close the long-standing case of missing Shia cleric Musa al-Sadr for political purposes. She also reaffirmed Libya’s commitment to defending the rights of its citizens abroad, particularly Hannibal Gaddafi, who remains detained in Lebanon in connection with the case.
In a statement to Lebanon’s An-Nahar newspaper, Minister Abdulrahman revealed that Libyan judicial authorities had formally contacted their Lebanese counterparts. Libya submitted a detailed roadmap offering a comprehensive and practical framework to resolve the matter. The roadmap includes mechanisms for judicial cooperation that aim to conclude the case and secure the release of Hannibal Gaddafi.
Abdulrahman reiterated Libya’s full readiness to work with Lebanon in uncovering the truth behind al-Sadr’s disappearance in 1978. She emphasised that any resolution should respect both countries’ sovereignty and legal frameworks while ensuring justice and the dignity of Libyan nationals.
The Justice Minister pointed out that the initiative is now awaiting a formal response from the Lebanese judiciary. She expressed concern over the delay, describing it as “unjustified” and a source of worry for Libyan authorities.
Abdulrahman warned that the prolonged silence could indicate political manipulation by certain Lebanese factions unwilling to resolve the issue. This, she argued, undermines justice and violates the basic rights of the detained Libyan citizen.
She called for a resolution grounded in justice, transparency, and mutual respect, urging Lebanese authorities to engage constructively. The case of Musa al-Sadr, who vanished during a visit to Libya in 1978, remains a major source of political and judicial tension between the two nations.
