Dozens support Gaddafi's son
2008-07-23 20:34
Tripoli - Dozens of Libyans on Wednesday held a protest outside the Swiss embassy in Tripoli to protest last week's arrest of a son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, saying he had been mistreated.
The demonstrators, mainly members of Gaddafi's revolutionary committees, also handed a statement to Swiss ambassador Daniel Von Muralt, warning of reprisals unless Switzerland officially apologises for the arrest.
Hannibal Gaddafi, 32, was arrested along with his wife at a Geneva hotel on Tuesday last week after being accused of assaulting some of their staff. The couple was released on bail two days later.
The statement, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, did not specify the nature of the reprisals, but mentioned "serious measures against Switzerland and its relations with Libya".
An official of the revolutionary committees told AFP however that Libya could cut oil supplies to Switzerland, which depends on the North African nation for most of its oil needs.
A break in diplomatic ties and the expulsion of Swiss companies working in Libya are among the measures being considered by Libya, said the official on condition of anonymity.
"An odious crime"
The statement described Hannibal's arrest as "an odious crime" against the honour of the Libyan people and a "dangerous precedent".
Von Muralt told protesters that the arrest was not aimed at "harming the feelings of the Libyan people".
A Swiss delegation was due in Tripoli later on Wednesday in a bid to ease tensions with Libya, he added.
Hannibal Gaddafi was freed on bail of 200 000 Swiss francs and his wife was released on additional bail of 300 000 Swiss francs, their lawyer Paul Gully-Hart said on Thursday.
Three years ago Hannibal Gaddafi was investigated in Paris after incidents in two hotels in the city and was once stopped by French police for driving down the Champs Elysees at 140km per hour.