Son of ex-Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi assassinated
What's the story
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, has reportedly been killed in an armed attack. The incident took place at his home in Zintan, western Libya on Tuesday. His political team confirmed the assassination and called for a thorough investigation by Libyan authorities and the international community.
Investigation plea
Attack on Saif al-Islam
According to reports, four masked gunmen broke into Gaddafi's home and killed him in a "direct confrontation." The attackers allegedly disabled surveillance cameras before the confrontation. Abdullah Othman Abdurrahim, a member of Gaddafi's political team, announced the incident on Facebook. His team has since called on Libyan authorities and global bodies to investigate this assassination.
Legacy review
Who was Saif al-Islam?
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was a controversial figure in Libya. He was educated at the London School of Economics and spoke fluent English, which made him a Western-friendly face for many governments. However, he was also accused of leading a brutal crackdown on rebels during his father's rule in 2011. The International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant against him for "murder and persecution." In 2015, he was given a death sentence in absentia for his role in the crackdown.
Early years
Seen as his father's heir apparent
But he was released by the militia in Tobruk, under an amnesty law, two years later. Born in 1972, Saif al-Islam was seen as his father's heir apparent. He played a key role in Libya's rapprochement with the West from 2000 until the fall of the Gaddafi regime. After his father's ousting, he was imprisoned by a rival militia for almost six years before being released under an amnesty law.
Political aspirations
Father was ousted in 2011 uprising
In 2021, Saif al-Islam announced his intention to run for president in elections that were later postponed indefinitely. His father, Muammar Gaddafi, ruled Libya from 1969 until he was ousted and killed during an uprising in 2011. The elder Gaddafi's rule was marked by human rights abuses and support for militant groups. He was killed by rebel fighters after being captured following his ousting.