Libyan opposition wants to try Gaddafi at home

China.org.cn, May 17, 2011

Libyan opposition said Monday that Muammar Gaddafi should be tried in the country prior to being sent to international authority.

"It's our opinion that we would probably tend to capture and try him here in Libya first before we try him on an international basis," Abdel-hafed Ghoga, the opposition National Transitional Council spokesperson said at a press conference.

Ghoga said that Gaddafi should be tried in Libya for all the crimes he committed before and after the civil war took place.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has requested an arrest warrant for Gaddafi. Two other arrest warrants were also issued for his son Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, and his brother-in-law Abdullah Al-Sanousi, Libya's head of intelligence, for "war crimes and crimes against humanity."

Ghoga said that it might be difficult to execute the warrants, as the use of ground forces would not be acceptable in Libya.

"We will request the international authorities to assist the actual arrest of Gaddafi," said Ghoga.

He also noted that the opposition will provide the evidence of crimes committed by Gaddafi's government.