London, 25 july . -(ANA)  - A decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) today will allow the trial of Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi’s former military intelligence chief, Abdallah al-Senussi, on charges of crimes against humanity committed in 2011, to proceed in Libya despite serious violations of his fair trial rights and a severe decline in the security situation in the country in recent weeks.
 
“Today’s decision, which effectively sanctions unfair legal proceedings against Abdallah al-Senussi, is deeply troubling. The weak state of Libya's judiciary combined with a climate of escalating violence makes it effectively impossible for the Libyan authorities to guarantee he will be brought to justice in a fair trial. Fair trial guarantees are especially important when there is a risk of the death penalty,” said Stephanie Barbour, head of the Amnesty International Centre for International Justice, who attended the ruling in The Hague. 
 
Abdallah al-Senussi's fair trial rights, including his right to access to a lawyer and to prepare a defence, have already been violated. He is also at risk of the death sentence, a penalty Amnesty International opposes in all circumstances.

ICC decision to allow Abdallah al-Senussi to stand trial in Libya ‘deeply alarming’ amidst overwhelming security vacuum. -(ANA)

AB/ANA/ 25 July 2014 - - -