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UK, CIA Linked to Rendition Plot With Gadhafi Regime

One victim is now head of anti-Gadhafi forces

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 5, 2011 2:03 AM CDT

(Newser) – Today's bloodthirsty dictator was apparently yesterday's Western helpmate. Documents discovered in an abandoned Libyan government office reveal that the Brits, CIA and Libya were involved in a plan to deliver a terror suspect—with his wife and children—to a Tripoli prison where they likely faced torture, reports the Guardian. Though negotiations took place directly between UK and Libyan officials, the CIA was standing by, eager to get involved and help fund the rendition from Hong Kong to Tripoli, according to the papers.

"If payment of a charter aircraft is an issue, our service would be willing to assist financially to help underwrite those costs," said fax from the CIA, which insisted however, that the terror suspect be treated "humanely." One of the victims of an apparent rendition arrangement among Libya, the US and the UK, Abdul Hakim Belhaj—now commander of the anti-Gadhafi militia in Tripoli—demanded an apology from London and Washington, and may file a lawsuti for being tortured in Libya.

Moammar Gadhafi fans his face during an event last year. (AP Photo/Abdel Magid Al Fergany, file)

A defaced portrait of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi hangs in Tripoli. (Getty Images)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 35 comments

bewilderbeast

Sep 7, 2011 5:14 AM CDT

The CIA (of course) said "Um, treat them humanely, willya, Libyan torturers?" on their email. Sure they did. They also said out loud "Wink wink, nudge nudge, y'know what I mean!?" - Bastards.

fractal

Sep 6, 2011 1:27 PM CDT

Considering the results they have gotten in the last 20 years, I think we should just disband the CIA. They are too stupid and too dangerous to keep around. Remember J.E. Hoover and the FBI?

JackNelsonSteward

Sep 5, 2011 12:14 PM CDT

Nice, moderators ... just vent comments down the "Memory Hole." Take down factual responses to comments and leave such powerfully relevant comments as,"fart sniffing morons who would suck a fart right out of the president's butt" (Kudos to stevs ... ) Very classy. You're sure to gain stature as a powerful and reliably relevant forum.

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UK, CIA Linked to Rendition Plot With Gadhafi Regime

One victim is now head of anti-Gadhafi forces

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

CIA • rendition • Libya • Tripoli • prisoners • Moammar Gadhafi • MI5

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