Libya on Monday released four International Criminal Court officials detained since early June on suspicion of smuggling documents to the son of slain leader Moamer Gaddafi, DPa reported.
The officials were released in the western town of Zintan where they were arrested by a local militia after a visit to Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, who is wanted by the ICC for his role in the killing of protesters during a revolt last year that ended his father's rule.
"The ICC is grateful to the Libyan authorities for their agreement today to release the court's staff members so that they can be reunited with their families," ICC President Sang-Hyun Song said during a press conference in Zintan.
The arrest of Australian Melinda Taylor, the ICC-appointed defence counsel for Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, and a Lebanese translator on June 9 deepened a dispute between the ICC and Libya. Two other ICC officials who had stayed with Taylor were also released.
The ICC has allowed Libya to continue holding Saif al-Islam Gaddafi until the court decides on a Libyan submission arguing that the North African country has the right to try him.
Gaddafi has been held in Libya since his capture in November. The ruling National Transitional Council says Libya, which is not a signatory of the Rome Statute treaty that led to the establishment of the ICC, has the right to try him at home.
Libya releases International Criminal Court staff
Libya on Monday released four International Criminal Court officials detained since early June on suspicion of smuggling documents to the son of slain leader Moamer Gaddafi.
