Saif-Al Islam Gaddafi, was seen here a day before his assassination, a man who had chosen to stand by his country despite the wealth and fame that came with being the son of a former Libyan leader.
The room looked modest, especially for a man who grew up in luxury, a testament to his simple and humble nature.
Although his siblings and many who served in his father’s government fled to exile, Islam chose to remain in his country, a decision that would ultimately lead to his demise.
He died with a gun in his hand, fighting the assassins who had raided his home in the city of Zintan, a final act of defiance and bravery.
Curiously, the guards who had been guarding his home were withdrawn hours before his assassination, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
The move has sparked outrage and suspicion among his supporters, who believe that the withdrawal of the guards was a deliberate act to facilitate the assassination.
Today, after a post-mortem, his Qadhadfa tribe and the Warfalla arrived in Zintan to collect his body for burial in the city of Bani Walid, where he will be laid to rest next to his brother Khamis.
The family decided to bury him in Bani Walid, because the city and Sirte, were Muammar Gaddafi’s final strongholds before his fall in 2011 and have remained loyal to his family.
Thousands of Libyans carrying green flags turned up on the streets to wave Islam’s body goodbye, a testament to the impact he had on the country and its people.
The turnout was a clear indication of the widespread support for the Gaddafi family, despite the controversy surrounding their rule.
Amnesty International said the assassination highlighted “the pervasive climate of impunity in Libya”, a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country as it tries to rebuild and reconcile after years of conflict.
The organization called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Islam’s death, saying that those responsible must be held accountable.
The assassination of Dr. Saif-Al Islam Gaddafi has sent shockwaves across Libya, sparking fears of renewed violence and instability.
As the country struggles to come to terms with its past, the international community is watching closely, hoping that Libya will find a way to heal and move forward.
