Libyan Authorities Launch Investigation Into Fatal Shooting of Gaddafi’s Son

Libyan prosecutors announced Wednesday they have opened an investigation into the fatal shooting of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was killed at his residence in Zintan on Tuesday. According to his legal representative, a four-person armed group broke into his home and carried out the attack

Libyan prosecutors confirmed Wednesday they are investigating the death of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the late ruler Muammar Gaddafi, following a shooting in Zintan.

The prosecutor’s office said forensic specialists have been sent to Zintan in northwestern Libya, where the shooting occurred, and that work is ongoing to track down those responsible.

“Gunfire caused the victim’s death,” the statement said, noting that investigators are seeking to “interview witnesses and anyone with information about the incident.”

Marcel Ceccaldi, representing Saif al-Islam, said an unknown “four-person assault team” entered his client’s Zintan home on Tuesday and killed him.

Mohamed al-Menfi, head of the Presidential Council—a transitional authority meant to unify Libya’s divided factions under UN oversight—called on “political actors, media outlets and community leaders to exercise caution in their public remarks and refrain from spreading hateful rhetoric.”

“We urge all political stakeholders to await the official investigation’s findings,” al-Menfi’s statement said, describing Saif al-Islam as a “presidential candidate.”

The 53-year-old had been viewed by some observers as a potential successor to his father.

Al-Menfi warned that further tensions could “jeopardize national reconciliation efforts and the prospect of conducting free and transparent elections.”

Libya has faced ongoing turmoil since a NATO-supported revolt toppled Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The country remains split between a UN-recognized government operating from Tripoli and a rival eastern administration supported by military commander Khalifa Haftar.

Saif al-Islam was detained in southern Libya in November 2011 following an International Criminal Court warrant from The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity.

He was later convicted and sentenced to death by a Tripoli court in 2015 following an expedited trial, though he subsequently received amnesty.

He declared his candidacy for president in 2021, but the scheduled elections were delayed indefinitely.

Details regarding funeral arrangements have not been disclosed, though his adviser Abdullah Othman Abdurrahim informed Libyan media that post-mortem procedures have been completed and burial may take place in Bani Walid, located south of Tripoli.

Moussa al-Kouni, vice-president of the Presidential Council representing Libya’s Fezzan region, posted on X: “We reject political killings, we reject using force to advance agendas, and we reject violence as a form of communication or action.”