Libya's interim ruling council said Sunday it would not hand the captured son of the slain leader Moamer Gaddafi, over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for trial, broadcaster Al Jazeera reported.
The 39-year-old Saif al-Islam would be tried in Libya "because his trial at home is a popular demand," the National Transitional Council was quoted as saying in a statement, dpa reported.
The council promised to ensure he receives a fair trial and good treatment following his arrest in southern Libya on Saturday.
ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo is set to visit Libya this week to discuss the issue.
Saif al-Islam is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the ICC in June for alleged crimes against humanity in a crackdown on protesters against the Gaddafi regime.