Lebanese authorities have released Hannibal Gadhafi, son of late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, after he paid $900,000 bail, ending a decade-long detention over allegations of withholding information about a missing Lebanese cleric.
One of his lawyers, Charbel Milad al-Khoury, confirmed to the Associated Press that Gadhafi was freed Monday evening after completing paperwork. Two security officials also confirmed the release.
“Hannibal is officially free and has the full right to choose his destination,” al-Khoury said, declining to disclose further details for security reasons.
The release followed a decision by Lebanese authorities last week to lift a travel ban and reduce his bail from $11 million to about $900,000, after a Libyan delegation visited Beirut and made progress in negotiations for his freedom.
Judicial officials said the bail was paid by the Libyan delegation. Libya’s Justice Ministry also confirmed the payment on its social media accounts.
Gadhafi’s defense team has since withdrawn a case filed in Geneva last month against the Lebanese state for holding him without trial.
— Beirut (AP)
