Four International Criminal Court (ICC) officials detained in a western town in Libya since June were released yesterday after the head of the Hague-based court apologised for the “difficulties” that had arisen from their mission.
Australian lawyer Melinda Taylor and Lebanese-born interpreter Helene Assaf were detained in the town of Zintan on June 7th and accused of smuggling documents to Muammar Gadafy’s captured son Saif al-Islam. Two male colleagues travelling with them remained with Taylor and Assaf. “I would like to thank the Libyan authorities for making the necessary arrangements today to allow the release of the ICC staff”, ICC president Sang-Hyun Song said in Libya.
Libya’s deputy foreign minister said the four were no longer in custody. They are to fly to Europe tonight on a flight arranged by Italy, the Italian ambassador said. – (Reuters)