Mustafa Abdul Jalil

Mustafa Abdul Jalil مصطفى عبد الجليل
Chairman of the National Transitional Council of Libya
Incumbent
Assumed office 5 March 2011
Prime Minister	Mahmoud Jibril Ali Tarhouni (Acting) Abdurrahim El-Keib
Vice President	Abdul Hafiz Ghoga
Minister of Justice
In office 10 January 2007 – 21 February 2011
Prime Minister	Baghdadi Mahmudi
Personal details
Born	1952 (age 58–59) Bayda, Libya
Alma mater	University of Libya
Occupation	Judge
Religion	Islam

Mustafa Abdul Jalil or Abdul-Jalil^[1] (Arabic: مصطفى عبد الجليل‎, also transcribed Abdul-Jelil, Abd-al-Jalil,^[2] Abdel-Jalil, Abdeljalil or Abdu Al Jeleil) (born 1952)^[3] is the Chairman of the National Transitional Council of Libya, and as such serves as head of state in Libya's caretaker government which was formed as a result of the 2011 Libyan civil war. He is also a spokesman for the city of Bayda.^{[4] [5]}

From 2007 to 2011, Abdul Jalil was Minister of Justice (officially, the Secretary of the General People's Committee of Justice) under Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.^[2] He has been noted in some news media for his stance against various human rights violations in Libya, although others express a different view and accuse him, for example, of intransigence during the appeal by the Bulgarian nurses (that sentence was later converted to life imprisonment and the nurses were eventually released). During the civil war, Abdul Jalil was identified as the Chairman of the National Transitional Council based in Benghazi, although this position was contested by others in the uprising^[who?] due to his past direct participation in Gaddafi's government as Minister of Justice for four years until 2011.^{[citation needed]}

Career

After graduating from the department of Shari'a and Law in the Arabic Language and Islamic Studies faculty of University of Libya in 1975, Abdul Jalil was initially "assistant to the Secretary of the Public Prosecutor" in Bayda, before being appointed a judge in 1978.^[6]

Abdul Jalil was a judge "known for ruling consistently against the regime,"^[7] before becoming justice minister in 2007. In January 2010 he attempted to resign on national television over the government's failure to release political prisoners.^{[citation needed]} His resignation was rejected.^{[citation needed]} He resigned on 21 February 2011 after being sent to Benghazi to negotiate the release of hostages taken by rebels,^[8][9] being the first senior official to do so.^[7]

In classified US diplomatic cables leaked recently by the website Wikileaks, he is described as open and cooperative.^{[citation needed]} The Gaddafi regime had placed a bounty of 500,000 dinars, roughly US$ 400,000, for his capture.^[10]

Stances noted in the media

Pre-2011 protests

In August 2010, a representative of Human Rights Watch praised the fact that Abdul Jalil had "has reportedly taken a strong stance against arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention without trial", commenting that:^[11]

The Minister of Justice has taken a very good stance on this group of prisoners. He’s publicly criticized the security agencies for continuing to detain prisoners, despite the fact that they have been acquitted by the courts. And, the problem really is that the Internal Security Agency and the Ministry of Interior have been ignoring court orders.

In a paper published in November 2010, Amnesty International stated similarly, that:^[12]

At least 200 others remain detained after serving their sentences or being acquitted by courts. Justice Minister Mostafa Abdeljalil has publicly called for the release of these prisoners, but the Internal Security Agency, which holds them, refuses to comply... Justice Minister Abdeljalil has said that he is unable to order an investigation into abuses by Internal Security Agency Officers because they have immunity. Only the Interior Ministry can waive immunity, but it has consistently refused to do so, he said.

Human Rights Watch made the same observations in its submission to the 2010 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Council.^[13]

L'Express noted that before being named a minister of justice of Libya in 2007, he was the president of the Libyan Court of Appeal. The paper opined that Abdul Jalil was responsible for the "intransigence" of the court in confirming the death sentences in the "Bulgarian nurses" HIV trial under Gaddafi.^[14]

2011 protests and civil war

During the 2011 Libyan civil war he was dispatched by Gaddafi to Benghazi to allegedly "negotiate the release of hostages taken by Islamists".^[7][8]

On 21 February, the privately-owned Quryna newspaper reported that he had resigned over "the excessive use of violence against anti-government protesters".^[9]

On 22 February, he claimed in an interview with Swedish newspaper Expressen that he had proof Gaddafi had personally ordered the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.^[15]

On 24 February, the BBC reported that, at a meeting of opposition politicians, former military officers and tribal leaders the eastern city of Bayda, Abdul Jalil said there would be no talks with the Libyan leader and called for him to step down immediately.^[16]

On 5 March, Reuters reported that Abdul Jalil claimed to have "official contacts with European and Arab (countries)" and that "some countries will announce their recognition" of the National Transitional Council "soon".^[17]

On 9 March, Abdul Jalil called for the imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya.^[1]

As the Battle of Tripoli tilted in favor of forces answering to the NTC, Abdul Jalil said on 24 August that democratic elections would be held in eight months. He also said that Gaddafi and his sons, once captured, would be tried in Libya prior to being sent to The Hague for trial at the International Criminal Court.^[18]

Efforts to form an interim government during the 2011 unrest in Libya

On 24 February, opposition politicians, former military officers, tribal leaders, academics and businessmen held a meeting in the eastern city of Bayda.^[16] The meeting was chaired by Abdul Jalil, who quit the government a few days before. The delegates stressed the importance of the national unity of Libya and stated that Tripoli is the capital city. They discussed proposals for interim administration with many delegates asking for UN intervention in Libya.^[19] The podium at the meeting displayed the pre-Gaddafi era flag of the Kingdom of Libya (1951–1969).^[20][21]

On 25 February, Al Jazeera reported that talks are taking place between "personalities from eastern and western Libya" to form an interim government for the post-Gaddafi era.^[20] On 26 February, it was reported that Abdul Jalil was leading the process of forming an interim government, to be based in Benghazi.^[22][23] Abdul Jalil stated that "Gaddafi alone bore responsibility for the crimes that have occurred" in Libya, he also insisted on the unity of Libya and that Tripoli is the capital.^[24] The efforts to form an alternative government have been supported by the Libyan ambassador in the United States, Ali Suleiman Aujali.^[25][26] The Libyan deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Ibrahim Omar Al Dabashi, has stated that he supported a new alternative government "in principle".^[27]

The members of the new interim government were to be announced on 27 February at a press conference in the city of Benghazi. Some of the portfolios were to be left vacant for representatives for areas that are still controlled by the Gaddafi-led government.^[28] The proposed interim government aims to remain in power for three months after which elections will be held.^[29] The new interim government is to include both civilians and persons from the military.^[30][31]

An Al Jazeera English journalist in Benghazi has reported that that a fully fledged interim government will not be formed until Tripoli is under opposition control.^{[citation needed]} This is in contrast to claims made by Abdul Jalil on the previous day about the formation of a provisional government. These comments have now been clarified as his "personal views".

Abdul Jalil was stated to be the head of the National Transitional Council in the Council's founding statement of 5 March 2011.^[32]

See also

	Libya portal
	University portal

• General People's Committee of Libya

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Rebel leader calls for 'immediate action' on no-fly zone". CNN. 2011-03-10. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/09/libya.civil.war/. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
2. ^ ^{a b} "World leaders - Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members of Foreign Governments (Libya, as at March 17, 2010)". CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/world-leaders-1/world-leaders-l/libya.html. Retrieved 2011-02-23. 
3. ^ "Provisional rebel government leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil". Monsters and Critics. 2011-03-10. http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/africa/news/article_1625037.php/PROFILE-Provisional-rebel-government-leader-Mustafa-Abdel-Jalil. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
4. ^ Not the fears of foreign interference...Al-madina newspaper, Saudi Arabia. 2011-08-25. Retrieved 2011-10-10. (Arabic)
5. ^ Libyan People's Revolution turn into a war of liberation...Almushahid Assiyasi newspaper. Retrieved 2011-10-10.(Arabic)
6. ^ National Transitional Council, members
7. ^ ^{a b c} Levinson, Charles (10 March 2011). "Rebel Leadership Casts a Wide Net". The Wall Street Journal. Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704629104576190720901643258.html. 
8. ^ ^{a b} "Libyan Islamists seize arms, take hostages". The Sydney Morning Herald. AFP. 21 February 2011. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/libyan-islamists-seize-arms-take-hostages-20110221-1b19c.html. 
9. ^ ^{a b} "Libyan minister quits over crackdown - report". Reuters. 21 February 2011. http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFLDE71K1PJ20110221. 
10. ^ "PROFILE: Provisional rebel government leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil". Monsters & Critics. 10 March 2011. http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/africa/news/article_1625037.php/PROFILE-Provisional-rebel-government-leader-Mustafa-Abdel-Jalil. Retrieved 31 July 2011. 
11. ^ Clottey, Peter. "Rights Researcher Calls for Expanded Libyan Prisoner Compensation". 2010-08-08. Voice Of America. http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Rights-Researcher-Calls-for-Expanded-Libyan-Prisoner-Compensation-100231639.html. Retrieved 2011-02-23. 
12. ^ "Public statement: Libya: Carry out UN calls for reform: Government rejects much-needed changes at first Human Rights Council review". 2010-11-17. http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/MDE19/019/2010/en/9c4ece12-cce9-4467-840e-adce71baf595/mde190192010en.html. Retrieved 2011-02-23. 
13. ^ Report prepared by Human Rights Watch for the United Nations Human Rights CouncilUniversal Periodic Review (UPR), dated April 2010
14. ^ Alexandre, Lévy (2011-03-29). "Quand le chef des rebelles libyens oeuvrait pour Kadhafi [When the Libyan rebel leader was working for Gaddafi"]. l'express.fr. http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/monde/quand-le-chef-des-rebelles-libyens-oeuvrait-pour-kadhafi_977428.html. Retrieved 2011-04-04. 
15. ^ "Muammar Gaddafi ordered Lockerbie bombing, says Libyan minister". News Australia. 2011-02-24. http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/muammar-gaddafi-ordered-lockerbie-bombing-says-libyan-minister/story-e6frfku0-1226011070628. Retrieved 2011-02-23.  citing an original interview with Expressen in Sweden: "Khadaffi gav order om Lockerbie-attentatet [Gaddafi ordered the Lockerbie bombing"]. 2011-02-23. http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/1.2341356/khadaffi-gav-order-om-lockerbie-attentatet. Retrieved 2011-02-23.  English translation
16. ^ ^{a b} "Libya protests: Gaddafi embattled by opposition gains". BBC. 2011-02-24. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12564104. Retrieved 2011-02-24. 
17. ^ "Libyan rebel Council expects international recognition soon". Reuters. 5 March 2011. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/05/us-libya-interim-recognition-idUKTRE72425R20110305. 
18. ^ "Rebels battle for Tripoli as Kadhafi hides out". RFI English. 24 August 2011. http://www.english.rfi.fr/africa/20110824-rebels-battle-tripoli-kadhafi-hides-out. Retrieved 25 August 2011. 
19. ^ "Discussions under way for provisional government in Libya". Malta Star. 2011-02-25. http://maltastar.com/pages/r1/ms10dart.asp?a=14356. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
20. ^ ^{a b} "Provisional Government Forming In Eastern Libya". NPR. 2011-02-23. http://www.npr.org/2011/02/23/134003954/New-Government-Forms-In-Eastern-Libya. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
21. ^ "Libya’s Eastern Rebels, Long-Time Qaddafi Foes, Driving Revolt". Businessweek. 2011-02-25. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-02-25/libya-s-eastern-rebels-long-time-qaddafi-foes-driving-revolt.html. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
22. ^ "Terror in Tripoli as pressure builds in Yemen". ABS-CBN News. 26 February 2011. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/world/02/26/11/terror-tripoli-pressure-builds-yemen. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
23. ^ "Live Blog - Libya Feb 26". Al Jazeera Blogs. 2011-02-25. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/live-blog-libya-feb-26. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
24. ^ "Ex Libyan minister forms interim govt-report". London South East. 2011-02-26. http://www.lse.co.uk/FinanceNews.asp?ArticleCode=77c8l0riig2uluz&ArticleHeadline=Ex_Libyan_minister_forms_interim_govtreport. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
25. ^ "Libya envoy to U.S. backs interim government". Reuters. 2011-02-26. http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFN2613766620110226. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
26. ^ "Live Blog - Libya Feb 27". Al Jazeera Blogs. 27 February 2011. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/live-blog-libya-feb-27. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
27. ^ "Interim Libyan govt wins support". Al Jazeera. 2011-02-27. http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/201122702915408866.html#. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
28. ^ "Anti Gadhaffi forces form interim government for Libya". Digital Journal. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/304083. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
29. ^ Klapper, Bradley (2011-02-26). "Envoy claims Libyans set up caretaker government". San Francisco Chronicle. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/02/26/national/w160736S43.DTL. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
30. ^ "Benghazi 'caretaker' government to prepare democratic election in Libya". RIA Novosti. 2011-02-27. http://en.rian.ru/world/20110227/162779544.html. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
31. ^ "Libyan Protest Leaders Form National Council in East". Voice of America. 2011-02-27. http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Ex-Libyan-Justice-Minister-Forms-Caretaker-Govt-in-East-117005953.html. Retrieved 2011-03-18. 
32. ^ "Founding statement of the Interim National Transitional Council". National Transitional Council. 2011-03-05. Archived from the original on 2011-03-07. http://ntclibya.org/english/founding-statement-of-the-interim-transitional-national-council/. Retrieved 2011-03-07. 

External links

• Profile at NTC
• Libya crisis: Profile of NTC Chair Mustafa Abdul Jalil, BBC News, 22 August 2011
• Mustafa Abdul Jalil collected news and commentary at Al Jazeera English
• Mustafa Abdul Jalil collected news and commentary at The New York Times
• Mustafa Abdul Jalil collected news and commentary at The Times of India

Political offices
Preceded by Muammar Gaddafi as Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution of Libya	Chairman of the National Transitional Council of Libya 2011–present	Incumbent
Preceded by Mohamed Abu Al-Quasim al-Zwai as Secretary General of General People's Congress of Libya

Persondata
Name	Abdul Jalil, Mustafa
Alternative names
Short description	Libyan politician
Date of birth	1952
Place of birth	Bayda, Libya
Date of death
Place of death