Gaddafi Dead
by Jesse Loncraine on 20 Oct 2011 | Comments
After a morning of confusing and, at times, conflicting stories on the capture and killing of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in Libya today, it appears that a consensus has been reached among global news organisations that Gaddafi is indeed dead. The National Transitional Council has confirmed the ex-Libyan leader’s death, where he was, according to reports, hunkered down in a hole in the ground outside his home town of Sirta - reminiscent of the capture of Saddam Hussein in December 2003.
If Gaddafi is in fact deceased this will be a missed opportunity to see punitive justice done for the crimes committed during his regime. The ICC arrest warrants for Gaddafi, his son and brother-in-law, are legally binding. For the NTC to flout these UN mandated warrants is a discouraging indication of their willingness to participate in a constructive transitional justice process. As the news settles, and Gaddafi’s death or capture is confirmed, IJCentral will post further editorial on this monumental day for Libya, the Middle East, and the entire international community.
The IJCentral Team
Post Script: A photograph of a bloodied Gaddafi have emerged online, which appear to confirm reports of his death. IJCentral does not see fit to post that photograph here.
