Libyan Sami al Saadi receives £2million pay-out from UK Government

Sami al Saadi wins rendition case as Britain makes a huge payment of £2.2million to him and his family

11:56 14 December 2012

The High Court was told this week that Sami al Saadi and his family are to receive a £2.2million pay-out off Britain. The Libyan, who opposed the Colonel Gaddafi regime, supposedly links his rendition case with the UK.

 

Based on reports, his lawyers say that Mr. al Saadi claims British secret service was involved. Mr. al Saadi, a dissident who was taken and given to Colonel Gaddafi, suffered at the hands of torturers. The 45-year-old, who was understood to have been abducted around eight years ago, was imprisoned in Libya.

The UK has not admitted liability for the rendition operation or the allegations made against the secret service, but there has been a settlement made to the claimants.

A Government statement confirmed the pay-out, but said “there has been no admission of liability and no finding by any court of liability.”

Former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw also commented on the events in a statement that was released.

He said: “At all times I was scrupulous in seeking to carry out my duties in accordance with the law and I hope to be able to say much more about all this at an appropriate stage in the future.”

The reason for the claims made against the UK are thought to have come about after documents were reportedly found post the Colonel Gaddafi regime toppling. Britain helped to remove Colonel Gaddafi from his position.

It is thought that police are investigating whether the UK’s secret service were involved in the case concerning Mr. al Saadi’s rendition case.

It is understood that some of the money could be donated to help torture victims from Mr. al Saadi’s native country.
An inquiry that looked into rendition was put on hold in 2011.