In a landmark decision, a Lebanese court has ordered the release of Hannibal Gaddafi, the youngest son of the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, on bail set at $11 million, while also imposing a travel ban. Hannibal has been held in Lebanon for nearly ten years without trial, in a high-profile case linked to the mysterious disappearance of revered Lebanese Shia cleric Musa al-Sadr.

Bail Ruling Sparks Controversy

The bail decision, confirmed by Lebanon’s National News Agency on Friday, immediately drew criticism from Hannibal Gaddafi’s lawyer, Laurent Bayon. “The release on bail is totally unacceptable in a case of arbitrary detention. We will challenge the bail,” Bayon told AFP. He emphasized that Gaddafi is under international sanctions, questioning how he could possibly pay the $11 million fee: “Where do you want him to find $11m?”

Hannibal Gaddafi was arrested in Lebanon in 2015. Lebanese authorities accused him of withholding information related to the disappearance of Musa al-Sadr, who went missing in Libya in 1978 while visiting then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Background: The Disappearance of Musa al-Sadr

Musa al-Sadr was a prominent Shia leader in Lebanon and founder of the Amal Movement, which remains a significant political and social force allied with Hezbollah. Al-Sadr disappeared during his visit to Libya along with two companions—a journalist and an aide—and has never been seen since. His disappearance has fueled decades of speculation, legal disputes, and strained diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Libya.

Lebanon’s current parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, who succeeded al-Sadr at the head of the Amal Movement, has repeatedly accused Libyan authorities of failing to cooperate in uncovering the truth about al-Sadr’s fate—a claim Libya has consistently denied.

Human Rights Concerns and Health Issues

International human rights organizations have long criticized Hannibal Gaddafi’s detention. In August 2025, Human Rights Watch urged Lebanese authorities to release him, citing “apparently unsubstantiated allegations” and prolonged imprisonment without trial.

Concerns over Gaddafi’s health have grown, especially after he was hospitalized for abdominal pain. He has also suffered from depression and previously went on a hunger strike to protest his detention. In 2023, Libyan authorities formally requested his release due to his deteriorating condition, emphasizing that Lebanon’s cooperation could help uncover the truth about al-Sadr.

Reaction from the Al-Sadr Family

Following the judge’s decision, the family of Musa al-Sadr released a statement expressing surprise and concern over Hannibal Gaddafi’s potential release. However, they clarified that their primary objective is not the detention of Gaddafi but rather resolving the enduring mystery of the imam’s disappearance.

“The arrest or release of Hannibal Gaddafi is not our goal, but rather a mere legal procedure. Our primary issue is the disappearance of the imam [al-Sadr],” the family stated.

International and Legal Implications

Hannibal Gaddafi, now 49 years old, was just two years old at the time of al-Sadr’s disappearance. His prolonged detention without trial raises critical questions about human rights, international law, and Lebanon’s judicial processes.

The $11 million bail and travel restrictions signal a cautious step by Lebanese authorities, balancing legal proceedings, international pressure, and public scrutiny over one of the Middle East’s most enduring unresolved cases.