Future uncertain

The Hague, Oct. 28 (Reuters): International war crimes prosecutors are in touch with Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, urging him to give himself up and warning him today that he risks a mid-air interception if he tries to flee by plane to an African safe haven.       

Confirming reports from Libya’s new leadership to Reuters that the fugitive son and heir-apparent of slain strongman Muammar Gaddafi has been negotiating a possible surrender, the International Criminal Court said in a statement: “Through intermediaries, we have informal contact with Saif.”

It gave no details on the younger Gaddafi’s whereabouts but said it was “galvanising efforts” to arrest him and former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, both of whom Libyan officials have said are being sheltered by Tuareg nomads in the Sahara.

“Additionally,” ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said: “We have learnt through informal channels that there is a group of mercenaries who are offering to move Saif to an African (country) not party to the Rome Statute of the ICC.        

“The office of the prosecutor is also exploring the possibility to intercept any plane within the air space of a state party in order to make an arrest.” Some observers say surrendering to the ICC may be only one option for Saif al-Islam, 39, who may alternatively hope for a welcome in one of the African states his father helped.