Lebanon Lifts Travel Ban on Hannibal Gaddafi
Hannibal Gaddafi has been held without trial for nearly ten years, accused of withholding information about the disappearance of a prominent Lebanese Shi'ite cleric, Imam Musa al-Sadr. The cleric vanished during a trip to Libya in 1978, when Gaddafi was just two years old.
Judicial Developments
Lebanese authorities made a key decision on Thursday, shortly after a Libyan delegation visited the country. In October, a Lebanese judge set Hannibal Gaddafi's bail at $11 million but prohibited him from leaving Lebanon. His lawyers argued he could not afford this and requested permission for him to travel.
- The bail amount was reduced to approximately $900,000.
- Gaddafi will be allowed to leave Lebanon once the bail is posted.
Gaddafi's Plans and Background
Judicial officials confirmed that Gaddafi plans to leave Lebanon after his release, with his family expected to join him later. He had been living in exile in Syria with his Lebanese wife, Aline Skaf, and their children until his 2015 abduction by Lebanese militants and transfer to Lebanon.
Health and Diplomatic Context
In 2023, Libya formally requested Gaddafi’s release, citing his declining health after a hunger strike protesting his prolonged detention without trial.
"Hannibal Gaddafi has been detained without trial for nearly a decade for allegedly withholding information about the fate of a revered Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim cleric."
"In October, a Lebanese judge ordered Gadhafi's release on $11 million bail, but banned him from traveling outside Lebanon."
"Judicial officials say Gaddafi has decided to exit Lebanon after his release, adding that his family will follow him later."
The unresolved case of Imam Musa al-Sadr remains a sensitive and longstanding issue in Lebanese politics.
Author's summary: Hannibal Gaddafi's detention without trial nears a decade, but recent judicial changes now allow his release and travel as Lebanon eases bail conditions amid diplomatic pressure.
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