Bin Laden still alive believes half brother
Osama bin Laden’s half brother believes the world’s most-wanted man is still alive despite the relentless bombing campaign against his likely hide-outs and his reported ill health.
‘‘In the absence of any proof of his death, I think we have to believe that he is alive,’’ Swiss-based Yeslam Binladin said.
‘‘I think he is sufficiently well known that if he really was dead, somebody would know about it and talk about it.’’
The Swiss businessman stressed he had absolutely no clue about the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden and had only met him three of four times in his life, the last occasion being in 1981 when Osama bin Laden left Saudi Arabia.
Osama bin Laden - one of 54 children born to a wealthy Saudi construction tycoon and his 22 wives - was disowned by the family and banned by Saudi Arabia in 1994 for his virulent campaign against the stationing of US troops in the desert kingdom after the Gulf War.
‘‘It tears me apart that a member of my family could turn against his country his government and - if true - be responsible for such horrible acts,’’ Binladin said.
‘‘But the sadness I feel at the name of my father being linked to such things is nothing compared with the suffering of the thousands of victims and their families.’’
Asked whether he wished the alleged terrorist suspect was dead, Binladin replied: ‘‘I don’t wish for the death of anyone. Every life is sacred. But nobody can leave this earth without paying his debt.’’
Binladin, 51, a wealthy businessman, has lived in Switzerland since 1985 and acquired Swiss nationality last year.
A year ago filed for international trademark protection for the Binladin name.
He said he had hoped to sell clothes or watches under the name because it was as well known in the Arab world as Ford or Renault. But after the September 11 terrorist attacks, all plans had been put on hold.
Swiss authorities said last week they were considering whether to remove the trademark on the grounds it might prove offensive.
It offered some glimpses into the private life of one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential families, which still retains close links with the royal family.
