Gaddafi’s son says Taliban’s hostages could be free soon
Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi’s son said today that he is working to win the release of eight foreign aid workers held in Afghanistan on charges of preaching Christianity and predicted they would be freed soon.
Seif el-Islam Gaddafi, chairman of the Gaddafi Foundation for Charitable Organisations, said his group has been in touch with the Taliban for about two months in efforts to win freedom for the eight detainees.
Gaddafi said the effort was bearing fruit ‘‘because of the good standing the foundation enjoys in this area.’’
‘‘I believe that the Taliban will release these people in the near future,’’ he said.
The eight - four Germans, two Americans and two Australians - are employees of the Germany based Christian organisation Shelter Now International. They have been held since August 3 on charges of trying to convert Muslims, a serious offence in Islamic Afghanistan.
Taliban Supreme Court judges have indefinitely postponed their trial, saying their anger over US air strikes could hamper their ability to make a fair ruling in the case.
Yesterday, the eight were moved from their Kabul cells and were taken to the the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar by retreating forces.
Gaddafi said his foundation made contact with the Taliban ‘‘with the aim of finding a solution for these people through third party mediation.’’
‘‘As far as I know, they are all in good health,’’ he added.
Last year, Libya was involved in freeing all but one of 21 Western tourists and Asian workers kidnapped by the Philippines’ Abu Sayyaf rebels. Tripoli reportedly financed huge ransoms to win their freedom.
The US has accused Libya of sponsoring terrorism, but Washington suspended sanctions against the North African country in 1999.
The suspension came after Libya handed over two officials for trial on charges of planting the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie.
