Gaddafi cousin goes on trial in EgyptMay 13, 2013 - 16:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A cousin of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi went on trial in Egypt on Monday, May 13, on charges of attempted murder in a case that has blocked his extradition to Libya, according to Reuters. Ahmed Gaddaf Alddam is accused of opening fire on police when they went to detain him at his residence in Cairo in March in accordance with an Interpol arrest warrant. He is wanted in Libya for alleged counterfeiting, forgery, fraud and money laundering. Gaddaf Alddam is also charged with "resisting the authorities" and being found in possession of unlicensed guns and ammunition. He denied the charges at Monday's hearing. The court turned down his lawyers' request for bail and adjourned the proceedings until May 15. The Libyan government has lodged an appeal against an Egyptian court ruling that barred Gaddaf Alddam's extradition. Libya's new rulers, who aim to draw up a democratic constitution this year, are keen to try Gaddafi's family members and loyalists at home to show citizens that those who helped Gaddafi stay in power for 42 years are being punished. Saif al-Islam, a son of the deposed leader, appeared in court in Zintan, Libya, earlier this month despite being wanted by the International Criminal Court on war crimes charges. Libya has recently offered financial support to the cash-strapped Egyptian government in the form of a $2 billion deposit at the central bank and $1.2 billion worth of crude oil supplied on soft credit terms. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |