Geneva prosecutors drop case against Gaddafi son in Switzerland

Moamer-GaddafiGeneva - Legal proceedings against Hannibal Gaddafi, youngest son of Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi, have been dropped by the Geneva prosecutor's office, it was confirmed Wednesday.

Public prosecutor Daniel Zappelli said the case had been dropped after two domestic servants who brought it also decided no longer to continue their legal action.

Their lawyer Francois Membrez had confirmed Tuesday that the two were dropping their legal action alleging Hannibal Gaddafi inflicted physical injury on them and threatened them.

Libya had insisted on the action being dropped as a condition for its ending retaliatory action against Switzerland, which included stopping oil deliveries.

Hannibal Gaddafi and his pregnant wife, Aline, were arrested on July 15, following complaints they inflicted physical injuries on, and used threatening behaviour against, the two domestic staff members.

Gaddafi spent two nights in a cell and his wife was detained in hospital before they were released on bail of 500,000 Swiss francs (490,000 dollars).

The couple, who left the country after their release, denied harming the two maids from Tunisia and Morocco. Their lawyer said Tuesday the interests of his clients were met, as they had received appropriate compensation.

He added that his clients had also been granted provisional residence permits to stay in Switzerland. He did not say how much money was paid to them, or by whom. (dpa)

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