US, NATO urge fair trial and treatment of Gaddafi son

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The United States called on Libya's new rulers on Saturday to ensure a fair trial and ‘humane treatment’ of Muammar Gaddafi's last fugitive son and heir apparent Seif al-Islam after his capture.

The State Department said Seif's capture and trial "would be another step away from a forty-year dark chapter in Libyan history and help move the Libyan people toward the peaceful and democratic future they deserve."

NATO, too, voiced hope on Saturday that the Libyan authorities and the International Criminal Court would ensure that justice is served in the treatment of late Libyan dictator's son Seif al-Islam.

Gaddafi's last fugitive son and one-time heir apparent was arrested in southern Libya, a senior National Transitional Council official said Saturday.

"We trust that the Libyan authorities and the International Criminal Court will ensure that justice runs its course, so that the new Libya can be built on the rule of law and respect for human rights," NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said.

Relief in Libya

Honking cars, tears of joy and praise to Allah: in the cradle of the Libyan uprising the capture of Seif al-Islam, the old regime's favourite son, was celebrated with joyous relief.

As the news spread, cars gravitated to Benghazi's Tahrir Square from all over, passengers hanging through rolled-down windows waving Libya's new flag.

"The joy is indescribable," said Rejeb al-Seweri, who came to the central square carrying his young daughter on his shoulders amid celebratory gunfire and cries of "God is greatest".

"We are relieved. One of the last pillars of the Gaddafi era has fallen. This is a very good sign for a free Libya," said Omar Abderrahim, a 19-year-old student, wearing a scarf in Libya's new colours.

"He threatened us with his index finger, well they cut off his fingers," exclaimed Fariha Fakroon, 39, referring to a photo broadcast on state television showing the former regime's heir-apparent with three fingers on his right hand covered in heavy bandages.