Libya demanding "ransom" to free Swiss hostages?

Two Swiss nationals held in Libya for over a year have not yet left Tripoli despite undertakings by the Libyan prime minister that they would be free by September 1.

Media reports say that Libya is now demanding that 500,000 Libyan dinars (SFr423,000) be paid by each man before they are allowed to return to Switzerland. It is not clear whether the money is supposed to be a fine or bail.

The businessmen were detained in July 2008 in the aftermath of the arrest of Hannibal Gaddafi, son of the Libyan leader, and his wife, in Geneva. The Gaddafi couple were held for allegedly physically mistreating two of their servants, while the businessmen were accused of violating visa regulations. More...

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