West Hails Gadhafi son Capture, Urges Fair Trial
Russia's point man on Africa said Saturday that Moscow was relieved that murdered Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi's son Seif al-Islam had been arrested and had escaped "summary justice".
"We are happy that this time the new authorities in Libya did not resort to summary justice for Seif al-Islam, the son of the ousted leader Gadhafi," the Russian presidency's special representative for Africa Mikhail Margelov said.
Seif, 39, is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity.
"The accusations facing Seif al-Islam of crimes against humanity are very serious and proper judicial procedures are necessary," said Margelov, who did not specify whether Seif should be tried by international justice.
France called on the new government in Libya to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court and ensure a fair trial for Seif al-Islam.
"The militia which arrested him is going to deliver him to the NTC (National Transitional Council) for him to be judged," said a foreign ministry statement, referring to the new administration in Libya.
"We have renewed our call for the NTC to fully cooperate with the ICC and to ensure that Saif al-Islam gets a fair trial," it said.
The United States called on Libya's new rulers Saturday to ensure a fair trial and "humane treatment" Seif al-Islam after his capture.
The State Department, which could not independently confirm the arrest, said Seif's capture and trial "would be another step away from a 40-year dark chapter in Libyan history and help move the Libyan people toward the peaceful and democratic future they deserve."
"We have consistently appealed to all parties in Libya to ensure humane treatment of prisoners," a State Department official said.
"We continue to urge all parties in Libya to send those in detention to facilities under (National Transitional Council) control, and we urge the NTC authorities to adhere to their commitments to treat any and all prisoners in their custody in full accordance with international standards."
The official also urged the NTC to cooperate with the International Criminal Court on a future trial of Seif, amid growing calls for Libya to surrender Gadhafi's son and ensure fair treatment before the international court in The Hague.
For his part, British Prime Minister David Cameron on Saturday urged Libya's leaders to ensure Seif al-Islam was tried "in line with international standards" following news of his capture.
"The Libyan government has told us again today that he will receive a trial in line with international standards, and it is important that this happens," Cameron said in a statement.
"Britain will offer every assistance to the Libyan government and the International Criminal Court to bring him to face full accountability and justice for what he has done."
Cameron said the Libyan government's announcement Saturday of Seif al-Islam's arrest in the south of the country "shows we are near the end of the final chapter of the Gadhafi regime.
"It is a great achievement for the Libyan people and must now become a victory for international justice too."
"He could have contributed to a more open and decent future for his country, but instead chose to lead a bloody and barbaric campaign against his own people.
"The fate of the Gadhafi’s should act as a warning to brutal dictators everywhere."