Libya Demands Improved Conditions for Gadhafi's Son in Lebanon

Leaked photos of Hannibal Gadhafi, the son of Libya's late dictator, in an underground cell in Lebanon have sparked concerns and demands from Libyan authorities for better living conditions.

Leaked photographs of Hannibal Gadhafi, the son of Libya's late dictator Moammar Gadhafi, have emerged, raising concerns about his living conditions in an underground cell in Lebanon. Libyan authorities have called for Lebanon to improve the conditions under which he is being held.

The photographs, aired by Al-Jadeed TV, show a dimly lit room with no natural light, packed with Gadhafi's belongings, a bed, and a tiny toilet. In an interview with Al-Jadeed, Gadhafi expressed his anguish: "I live in misery." He claimed to be a political prisoner with no knowledge of the charges against him.

Two Lebanese judicial officials confirmed to the Associated Press that the photographs were of Gadhafi and the cell where he has been held for years at police headquarters in Beirut. Libyan authorities have formally requested that Lebanon release Gadhafi due to his deteriorating health.

Gadhafi has been held in Lebanon since 2015, when he was kidnapped from neighboring Syria. His captors were members of Lebanese militant groups demanding information about the fate of prominent Lebanese Shiite cleric Moussa al-Sadr, who disappeared during a trip to Libya in 1978.

The fate of al-Sadr has been a contentious issue in Lebanon. His family believes he may still be alive in a Libyan prison, but most Lebanese presume him to be dead. A Libyan delegation visited Beirut in January to discuss the matter with Lebanese officials but returned abruptly.

The leaked photographs and accusations of special treatment have led to outrage in Libya. The Libyan Justice Ministry issued a statement expressing concern for Gadhafi's well-being and demanding improvements in his living conditions. The ministry also called for his release.

Human Rights Watch has also called for Gadhafi's release, stating that he was only two years old at the time of al-Sadr's disappearance and held no senior position in Libya. The group expressed concern that he was being held as a political pawn.

Meanwhile, Gadhafi has gone on a hunger strike in the past and has had health problems. His family and supporters have expressed fears for his safety and health.

The situation has strained relations between Lebanon and Libya. Lebanon has accused Gadhafi of concealing information about al-Sadr's disappearance, while Libya maintains that he is innocent and should be released.

The fate of Hannibal Gadhafi remains uncertain. The leaks and demands for improved conditions have raised awareness of his plight and sparked a diplomatic standoff between Lebanon and Libya.