Skip to Content

Judge leaves lawsuits against Libyan general Hifter on pause

KTVZ

By MATTHEW BARAKAT
Associated Press

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A federal judge in Virginia has ruled that war-crimes lawsuits against a Libyan military commander who used to live in the U.S. must stay on hold for now to avoid interfering with upcoming presidential elections there. At a hearing Friday in Alexandria, Judge Leonie Brinkema rejected a request to revive the lawsuits against Khalifa Hifter, who has controlled large swaths of the nation during a yearslong civil war. Brinkema last month paused a trio of civil lawsuits against Hifter, just as he was scheduled to be questioned. Hifter is running for president in Libyan elections later this month; Brinkema said she was concerned the lawsuits were being used to further political agendas rather than protect victims of torture. She said the lawsuits can move forward after the election.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KTVZ NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content