The Libyan authorities have provided assurances to Malta that Muhammad Ali Mishtari, also known as Lilo King, will not be executed or tortured if he is extradited to face charges related to murder and drug trafficking. This development comes as Malta considers extraditing Mishtari to Libya. According to a Maltese report, these guarantees were given in response to a Maltese request, as the country's law prohibits extraditing individuals to countries where they may face the death penalty.
The Maltese Justice Minister has stated that he will sign off on the extradition file once all legal requirements are met. He expressed readiness to proceed with the extradition process, pending the completion of judicial and legal procedures. Mishtari has been in detention in Malta since 2015, when he fled Libya. His refugee status was revoked on September 17, following a Libyan request for his extradition on criminal charges.
The Libyan authorities submitted a formal written request to Malta in September for the extradition of Mishtari, who faces charges including murder, drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. Mishtari denies these allegations. The extradition request was made after Malta revoked his refugee status, which he had obtained in 2015.
Mishtari's case has been ongoing in Malta, with various judicial and legal procedures to be completed before a final decision on his extradition is made. The Maltese government has been working to ensure that all legal requirements are met before proceeding with the extradition. This includes verifying the guarantees provided by the Libyan authorities regarding Mishtari's treatment if extradited.
The case has garnered attention due to concerns over Mishtari's potential treatment in Libya. Malta's law prohibits extraditing individuals to countries where they may face the death penalty or torture. The guarantees provided by Libya aim to address these concerns, but the extradition process remains subject to ongoing judicial review.
The Maltese Interior Minister, Glenn Bedingfield, confirmed that a formal request had been received from Libyan authorities for Mishtari's extradition. This request was made after Malta revoked Mishtari's refugee status. The minister's confirmation highlights the ongoing cooperation between Malta and Libya on this case.
The extradition of Mishtari to Libya would mark a significant development in the case. If extradited, Mishtari would face trial in Libya on charges including murder and drug trafficking. The outcome of the extradition process remains uncertain, pending the completion of judicial and legal procedures in Malta.
Key points
- Libya provides guarantees to Malta on not executing or torturing Muhammad Ali Mishtari if extradited.
- Malta considers extraditing Mishtari to face charges in Libya.
- Mishtari's refugee status was revoked in Malta, leading to the extradition request from Libya.
