Leaked Photos of Hannibal Gadhafi's Detention Spark Outrage and Diplomatic Tensions

Beirut, Lebanon - Recently leaked photographs revealing the harsh conditions faced by Hannibal Gadhafi, the son of Libya's late dictator Moammar Gadhafi, in a Lebanese detention center have stirred international concern and prompted Libyan authorities to call for immediate improvements.

The images, broadcasted by Lebanon's Al-Jadeed TV, depict a tiny, lightless cell crammed with Gadhafi's personal belongings, a small bed, and a rudimentary toilet.

Gadhafi, who has been detained since 2015, described his living situation as "misery" and declared himself a political prisoner.

Two Lebanese judicial officials confirmed the authenticity of the photographs to The Associated Press, adding that Gadhafi appeared healthy but confined.

The pictures were reportedly taken recently, shedding light on the ongoing diplomatic struggle between Lebanon and Libya over the unresolved disappearance of Lebanese Shiite cleric Moussa al-Sadr in 1978 during a trip to Libya.

Al-Sadr's fate has long been a point of contention in Lebanon, with widespread speculation that he may have been imprisoned or killed at the behest of Moammar Gadhafi.

Hannibal Gadhafi's detention in Lebanon began after he was kidnapped from Syria, where he had been living as a political refugee.

He was initially abducted by Lebanese militants seeking information about al-Sadr's fate, reflecting the enduring impact of the cleric's disappearance on Lebanese politics and society. Although briefly released by Lebanese authorities, Gadhafi was subsequently detained again on charges of withholding information related to al-Sadr.

The Libyan government has reacted strongly to the leaked images. Libya's Justice Ministry issued a statement demanding that Lebanese authorities improve Gadhafi's conditions to a standard that "preserves his dignity" and formally inform them of these changes.

Furthermore, the ministry reiterated calls for Gadhafi's release, arguing that he is being deprived of legal rights.

This case has also highlighted issues of human rights and political leverage, with Human Rights Watch calling for Gadhafi's release earlier in January, noting his minimal connection to the events surrounding al-Sadr's disappearance, given his age at the time.

The controversy over Hannibal Gadhafi's detention is complicating the already delicate relations between Lebanon and Libya, as both countries navigate their complex histories and current political landscapes.

The ongoing dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve these tensions remain fraught with challenges, as both nations grapple with internal and external pressures.