Libya demands handover of Gaddafi spy chief Senussi

Many Libyans want to see evidence of Abdullah al-Senussi's capture before they believe it

Libya has formally requested the handover of Col Gaddafi's former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, following his arrest in Mauritania.

A spokesman for the new government in Tripoli "insisted" Brig Gen Senussi be extradited to Libya to face trial.

However, he is also sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity.
France also wants to extradite him in connection with a bomb attack on a plane in 1989.
Mauritania has already said it wants to carry out its own investigation before considering any extradition requests.

Where next for Senussi?

• Libya: Public will demand justice in Libya and officials say extradition process already under way; but international concern over fairness of trial
• France: Already sentenced to life in prison in France; President Sarkozy says French authorities involved in arrest; but France may be obliged to hand him to ICC
• ICC in The Hague: Arrest warrant issued in June 2011; but Mauritania not a signatory to Rome statute, so direct transfer unlikely; Libya likely to strongly resist ICC transfer request

Gen Senussi was held at the airport in the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, after flying in from Morocco using a false passport, officials said.

However, Mauritania has not yet provided any evidence of his arrest.
It is believed he is being held at the offices of the Mauritanian intelligence agency.
Gen Senussi, 63, fled Libya last year as Col Gaddafi's regime began to crumble.