“Libya Urges Improvements Following Leaked Photos Revealing Cramped Cell of Moammar Gadhafi’s Son in Beirut”

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"Libya Urges Improvements Following Leaked Photos Revealing Cramped Cell of Moammar Gadhafi's Son in Beirut"

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Leaked images depicting Hannibal Gadhafi, the son of the late Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, and the cramped underground cell where he has been confined for years in Lebanon have sparked concerns within Libya. These photographs, aired by local Media, reveal a room devoid of natural light, housing Gadhafi’s personal items, a bed, and a small toilet. Describing his situation as one of misery, Gadhafi asserted his status as a political prisoner, lamenting his lack of information regarding the case against him.

Confirming the authenticity of the images, two Lebanese judicial officials disclosed to The Associated Press that they indeed portray Gadhafi and his confinement at a police facility in Beirut. Despite his imprisonment, Gadhafi appeared in good health, sporting a light beard and glasses.

Sources close to Gadhafi, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, indicated that the recent photographs were taken in Lebanon. Gadhafi has been detained there since 2015, following his abduction from neighboring Syria, where he sought refuge. His capture came at the hands of Lebanese militants seeking information regarding the disappearance of prominent Lebanese Shiite cleric Moussa al-Sadr in 1978.

Al-Sadr’s fate remains a contentious issue in Lebanon, with his family holding hope for his possible survival in a Libyan prison, despite widespread presumptions of his demise. In January, a Libyan delegation visited Beirut to reopen discussions on al-Sadr’s fate and Gadhafi’s release, aiming to revive a previously inactive agreement between Lebanon and Libya.

The recent leaks from a source followed reports of Gadhafi receiving preferential treatment during his detainment, including allegations of cosmetic procedures. Gadhafi’s response, as quoted by Media, underscores his desire for freedom over superficial enhancements.

Gadhafi’s hunger strike last June led to his hospitalization due to declining health. Libya’s Justice Ministry has criticized his treatment, emphasizing his rights under the law and urging Lebanese authorities to uphold his dignity while advocating for his release.

Initially freed by Lebanese authorities following his abduction, Gadhafi was subsequently re-detained on charges of withholding information related to al-Sadr’s disappearance. Al-Sadr, the founder of the Amal group, remains a revered figure among his followers, many of whom attribute his presumed death to a dispute with Moammar Gadhafi over Libyan militia payments.

Human Rights Watch has echoed calls for Gadhafi’s release, highlighting his young age at the time of al-Sadr’s disappearance and his lack of significant involvement in Libyan affairs as an adult.