The National Institution for Human Rights in Libya (NIHRL) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health and humanitarian situation of Hannibal Gaddafi, who has been detained in Lebanon for ten years without trial.
In an official statement, the NIHRL described Gaddafi as a “political hostage” and condemned what it called his “arbitrary detention,” saying it violates international human rights conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Mandela Rules on the treatment of prisoners.
The organisation said that the Lebanese authorities bear full legal and humanitarian responsibility for the safety of Gaddafi, urging Beirut to end what it termed as “deliberate delays and arbitrary practices” and to expedite a fair judicial process. It also called for an independent medical team, under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross, to examine Gaddafi’s health condition transparently and regularly.
The statement accused Lebanon’s judicial system of failing to deliver justice and urged the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to review the circumstances surrounding Gaddafi’s arrest and detention. The NIHRL warned against turning human rights issues into political tools.
The Libyan institution also reminded the Libyan authorities of their “legal and national responsibility” to protect their citizen, calling for urgent diplomatic and legal action to ensure his rights and wellbeing.
Concluding its statement, the NIHRL stressed that “justice cannot exist without respect for human dignity,” warning that the continued suffering of Hannibal Gaddafi represents “a wound in the conscience of justice” and a test of Lebanon’s and the international community’s commitment to human rights.
