In a public display of the lack of solidarity among Tunisia's
three most senior of officials of state, Libya's 70 year-old former prime
minister Dr Mahmoud al-Baghdadi was extradited to Tripoli on 25
June. This occurred despite apparent differences of opinion within the Tunisian
political hierarchy on the legality and humanity of his enforced return.
The moderate Islamist-dominated government - led by Prime
Minister Hamadi Jebali who is also Ennahda's secretary-general
- took and carried out the decision without informing the left-wing secular and
largely ceremonial president Moncef Marzouki.
Regional and international human rights organisations have been
uncomfortable with the internal bargaining games being played in this arena.
Al-Baghdadi, who has been under arrest since he illegally entered Tunisia in
August 2011, represents an important family in western Libya, including groups
such as the Nuail. He served his medical studentship partly in the UK and was
really only a political light-weight during the latter part of the Qadhafi era.
Besides seeking vengeance against all Qadhafi regime officials, however, he is
also wanted because it is believed he can reveal the regime's secrets.
© 2012 Menas Associates
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