“The government of Libya is committed to carrying out a fair trial for any ex-Kadhafi government official,” Tripoli’s lawyer Ahmed al-Jehani told the ICC.
“We will create a judicial system that is fair and this will prove our commitment to the rule of law,” Jehani said of his country’s burgeoning post-revolutionary administration.
But, Jehani said, this is a “complicated process and Libya needs more time” to put Seif and other Gaddafi loyalists on trial, something that would contribute to reconciliation in the North African nation.
“Swift justice does not allow for due process — and it is not desirable,” Jehani said.
Libyan officials had asked in May for the court to quash a surrender request and throw out the case, saying they had the means to put Seif on trial — but until now have not managed to do so.
A warrant for the late Libyan strongman was scrapped after Gaddafi was killed by rebel forces on October 20 last year.
In a sign of the challenges facing the new Libyan order, premier Mustafa Abu Shagur was dismissed on Sunday after failing to form a government, including naming a justice minister.
Under Libya’s transition plan, a new government will be in power for about a year only, until fresh elections on the basis of a new constitution are held.
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