Libyan commander quizzes envoy on rendition
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The military commander of the Libyan rebels sought answers from a top UK diplomat today over claims of British involvement in his rendition and torture.
Abdul Hakim Belhadj raised the issue during a meeting in Tripoli with Dominic Asquith, the Government's special representative to Libya.
A Foreign Office spokesman said the talks focused on the security situation in the Libyan capital and next steps following the overthrow of the Gaddafi regime.
But the rendition and torture claims - which are to be examined by the Gibson Inquiry into wider allegations of UK collusion in torture - were also discussed.
"We're focusing on moving forward and will work with all of those who are supporting Libya's democratic transition and are committed to realising the aspirations of the Libyan people," the spokesman said.
"The meeting with Abdul Hakim Belhadj focused on the security situation in Tripoli and the NTC's progress in helping life in Tripoli return to normal."
Asked about the rendition claims, the spokesman said: "Abdul Hakim Belhadj raised this issue.
"The special representative said that we take these claims very seriously and explained that last year the Prime Minister set up the Gibson Inquiry to examine whether the security services were involved in the improper treatment of detainees overseas, including rendition.
"He told Belhadj that the inquiry has announced that it will look carefully at these latest allegations."
Documents uncovered by Human Rights Watch in the offices of Gaddafi's former security chief Musa Kusa suggested that the UK was involved in helping Libya detain terror suspects including Belhadj.
Belhadj is reported to be demanding an apology from London for its involvement in his 2004 rendition and subsequent imprisonment, during which he says he was tortured.
According to one of the documents found, MI6 dispatched an intelligence officer to Tripoli after Belhadj's detention to obtain information of "urgent importance" from him relating to UK anti-terrorist operations.
At the time, he was a member of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, which was affiliated to al-Qa'ida.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments