Muhammad Gaddafi

Muhammad Gaddafi
محمد القذافي
Born 1970 (age 41–42)

Muhammad Muammar Gaddafi (born 1970; Arabic: محمد القذافي‎) is the eldest son of the former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. While he was regarded as a possible successor as ruler of Libya from his father, he was reported to be uninterested in the role.[1]

He was also the chairman of the General Posts and Telecommunications Company which owned and operated cell phone and satellite services in Libya.[2] The company is the main internet provider to Libya, and immediately after the beginning of protests against the Gaddafi government in February 2011 which led to the civil war, it cut internet links between Libya and the rest of the world.[3]

2011 Libyan civil war

On 21 August 2011, Muhammad surrendered to rebel forces of the National Transitional Council as they took over Tripoli.[4] While being in custody in his home he gave a phone interview to Al Jazeera, saying that he surrendered to the rebels and had been treated well before the line went dead from apparent gunfire. The National Transitional Council head later spoke to Al Jazeera assuring Muhammad's safety. Muhammad spoke to Al Jazeera again confirming his safety and that of his family.[5] On 22 August 2011, he escaped reportedly with the help of Gaddafi loyalists.[6]

On 29 August 2011, he entered Algeria along with several other members of the Gaddafi family.[7]

References

  1. ^ Verini, James (22 May 2011). "The Good Bad Son". New York Magazine. http://nymag.com/print/?/news/politics/saif-qaddafi-2011-5/index3.html. Retrieved 20 June 2011. 
  2. ^ "Libya Planning to Privatize Phone Networks". Cellular News. 26 February 2007. http://www.cellular-news.com/story/22228.php. Retrieved 15 October 2011. 
  3. ^ "Libya and Bahrain protests – Saturday 19 February". The Guardian. 19 February 2011. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/feb/19/libya-bahrain-protests-live-updates. Retrieved 15 October 2011. 
  4. ^ Fahim, Kareem; Kirkpatrick, David D. (21 August 2011). "Little Resistance as Rebels Enter Tripoli". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/22/world/africa/22libya.html?_r=1&hp. Retrieved 21 August 2011. 
  5. ^ "Gaddafi Son in Libyan Rebel Custody". Al Jazeera. 21 August 2011. http://english.aljazeera.net/video/africa/2011/08/201182222513615767.html. Retrieved 21 August 2011. 
  6. ^ "Gaddafi Son escaped". Al Jazeera. 22 August 2011. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-22-2011-2122. Retrieved 22 August 2011. 
  7. ^ "Gaddafi family members flee to Algeria". Al Jazeera English. 29 August 2011. http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/08/2011829171617807937.html. Retrieved 29 August 2011.