Hannibal Gadhafi Granted Conditional Release in Lebanon for $11 Million Bail

Lebanese authorities announced on March 15, 2024, that they have ordered the release of Hannibal Gadhafi, the son of the late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, on the condition that he pays a bail of $11 million. Gadhafi has been imprisoned in Lebanon for a decade without having faced formal charges.

The decision to allow Gadhafi’s release follows concerns raised by his legal team regarding his health. Reports indicate that he has been suffering from illness while in custody at police headquarters in Beirut. Judicial officials confirmed that on Friday, Gadhafi was taken to the Justice Palace in Beirut, where Judge Zaher Hamadeh ruled that he could be released upon payment of the bail amount.

Despite the court’s ruling, Gadhafi’s lawyer, Charbel Milad al-Khoury, stated that Gadhafi lacks the financial means to pay the bail and does not have access to any accounts to facilitate the payment. This situation raises questions about the practicality of the bail arrangement and Gadhafi’s future in Lebanon.

Gadhafi’s lengthy imprisonment without charges has drawn attention from human rights advocates and legal experts who argue the need for due process. The case remains closely monitored, given the historical context of the Gadhafi family’s rule and the subsequent fallout from the Libyan civil conflict.

As the situation develops, Gadhafi’s legal team is expected to explore further options to address the bail condition, potentially involving negotiations with the Lebanese government or external entities. The outcome of this case may have significant implications not only for Gadhafi but also for Lebanon’s judicial system and its handling of high-profile detainees.