Russia Strongly Condemns Killing of Qaddafi’s Son, Seeks Justice
Russia has issued a forceful condemnation of the killing of Seif Al-Islam Qaddafi, the son of the late Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi, and called for a comprehensive investigation into his death.
In a statement on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova declared, “We strongly condemn this crime. We hope a thorough investigation will be conducted and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.”
The 53-year-old was shot dead on Tuesday after unidentified attackers stormed his home in Zintan, a town in northwestern Libya. Libyan authorities confirmed that forensic experts have been dispatched to the scene and that an official investigation is underway.
A Figure of Controversy and Legacy
Seif Al-Islam was once viewed as a potential successor to his father, whose rule ended violently in 2011 following a NATO-backed uprising. His death closes a turbulent chapter for the Qaddafi family and removes a figure who remained a potent, if controversial, symbol in Libya’s fractured political landscape.
His killing also brings to the forefront his complex international ties, particularly with Russia. In 2021, Libyan prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Seif Al-Islam over alleged connections to the Russian private military company Wagner Group. Though Wagner has since been disbanded and replaced by the state-backed Africa Corps, the accusation underscored the long-standing perception of his strong links to Moscow.
A Broader Message from the Kremlin
Russia’s swift and pointed response serves multiple purposes. It reaffirms Moscow’s ongoing interest and diplomatic stance regarding Libyan affairs, where it has backed various factions in the years since the 2011 intervention. The call for a “thorough investigation” also signals Russia’s intent to hold actors accountable, potentially influencing the narrative around the murder in a country still riddled with militia violence and political instability.
As Libyan prosecutors begin their work, the international community will be watching to see if the perpetrators are identified and what motives emerge. For Russia, the killing is not merely a distant crime but an event touching an associate with whom it had deep, historical connections, ensuring that Moscow’s voice will remain part of the conversation about Libya’s fragile future.
Also Read:
US Envoy Witkoff Set to Meet Israeli Leaders During Israel Visit
British Killer Known as Suffolk Strangler Pleads Guilty in Cold Case
