Lebanon awaits judicial ruling on Hannibal Gaddafi’s release

Lebanon’s Justice Minister Adel Nassar announced Saturday that the government is awaiting a judicial decision on whether to release Hannibal Gaddafi, the son of Libya’s late leader Muammar Gaddafi, who has been detained in Lebanon since 2015.

Speaking to reporters, Nassar said the ministry was waiting for the investigative judge’s ruling. His comments drew criticism from a lawyer representing the family of Lebanese cleric Musa al-Sadr, who accused the minister of interfering in judicial work. The lawyer told Lebanon’s National News Agency that the statement set a “dangerous precedent,” undermined judicial independence, and put undue pressure on the ongoing investigation.

Hannibal Gaddafi was arrested in 2015 after investigative judge Zahir Hamadeh issued a warrant accusing him of withholding information about the 1978 disappearance of al-Sadr and two companions in Libya. At the time of their disappearance, Hannibal was only two years old.

Human Rights Watch last month called on Lebanon to release Gaddafi, describing his detention as arbitrary and unlawful. The rights group also urged authorities to provide compensation and ensure accountability, noting concerns about his deteriorating health, poor prison conditions, and restrictions on family visits.