Debate is intensifying in Libya over whether the circumstances surrounding the reported killing of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, could meet the legal threshold for an international investigation, as political tensions rise and calls for transparency grow.
Supporters of Saif al-Islam are closely monitoring ongoing inquiries, amid increasing pressure from figures within his political camp to ensure full disclosure of the facts and accountability for those responsible. Some allies have raised the possibility of requesting an international investigation should domestic judicial efforts fail to progress or be perceived as compromised.
In the western Libyan city of Bani Walid, large crowds gathered for what supporters described as a funeral procession, with participants expressing anger and demanding justice. Demonstrators accused masked gunmen of carrying out a politically motivated attack and called on authorities to swiftly identify and prosecute those involved.
Libya’s Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi said investigations are ongoing, stressing that security agencies are coordinating with the Office of the Attorney General to determine the facts and pursue suspects. He emphasized that no conclusions have yet been reached and urged the public to allow investigators to complete their work.
Othman Baraka, a leading figure within the political current aligned with Saif al-Islam, said that the incident, if confirmed, would represent a serious political crime aimed at preventing any future political settlement that could bring forward a leadership with broad popular backing. He warned that public anger is growing and that failure to deliver justice could deepen instability.
Baraka said Saif al-Islam’s legal team is reviewing options, including the possibility of seeking international mechanisms if domestic investigations stall, while maintaining stated confidence in Libya’s judiciary.
International law expert Mohamed Mahran noted that while international human rights law strictly protects the right to life, the path toward an international investigation is legally and politically complex. He explained that international inquiries typically require clear evidence of systematic violations and broad international support, while stressing that domestic courts remain the primary avenue for accountability.
Mahran also pointed out that the involvement of the International Criminal Court would be particularly complicated given Saif al-Islam’s existing legal status under international law, underscoring the legal sensitivities surrounding the case.