Saif Gaddafi may now be tried in Libya under ICC supervision

Tripoli, Apr 18 (ANI): Slain Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi's son, Saif-al Islam, could be tried in his home country for crimes against humanity, and not by The Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC), it has emerged.

The ICC had been insisting that Saif, who is wanted for killing, torturing and persecuting civilians in the early days of last year's uprising, must be handed over to the Hague to face justice.

But Libyan authorities refused to transfer Saif despite the threat of United Nations sanctions.

Now, it has emerged that he could be tried on Libyan soil but under ICC supervision, The Daily Mail reports.

According to the paper, a special court would be set up in his homeland with security and legal supervision provided by international officials.

A source familiar with the matter told the BBC that a deal was near to being agreed.

The Western source acknowledged concerns that Saif could face the death penalty in Libya for his role in the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.

He said the ICC would accept a death sentence if the trial was fair and transparent and there was an adequate appeals process. (ANI)