03.08.12 - ICC/LIBYA - LIBYA REQUESTS INFORMATION ON INVESTIGATION INTO GADDAFI'S DEFENCE CONDUCT

Arusha, August 03, 2012 (FH) – Libyan government Monday requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) to convene a status conference to clarify the status of investigation into the conduct of the Office of Counsel for Public Defence (OCPD) which assigned defence counsel for Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi.

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 Saif Al-Islam is the son of former Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi. He is wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity.

Australian lawyer Melinda Taylor, designated by the ICC to represent Gaddafi, was arrested in Libya on June 7 along with her interpreter Hélène Assaf and two other ICC employees. They were accused of trying to pass on sensitive documents to Gaddafi but were finally released on July 2.

Following the visit of the Attorney General of Libya to The Hague on June 22, 2012, ICC President assured Libyan authorities that the ICC would lead an investigation into Melinda Taylor’s conduct.

In its motion, Libyan government`s lawyers state that the status conference ‘’will clarify the status of the ICC investigation into the conduct of OPCD in these proceedings.’’

According to the motion the status conference is also expected to shade light on the rights of the defence of Gaddafi and the ability for OPCD to continue taking instructions from the accused.

During a press conference held in The Hague, on July 6, 2012 Gaddafi’s defence lawyer, Melinda Taylor declared that “after what happened, ‘’I have serious concerns over my client’s security”. She added that “recent events have completely underscored that it will be impossible for Mr. Gaddafi to be tried in an independent and impartial manner in Libyan courts”.

Regarding the allegation that she had tried to deliver sensitive documents to Gaddafi, she claimed: “I believe that my actions were consistent with my legal obligations under the ICC Statute and Rules and Code of Professional Conduct for Counsel”.

NI/GF