The NYT Didn’t Say Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi Represents an Opportunity for Libyans to End Unrest
The Claim
The New York Times reported that Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi represents an opportunity for Libyans to end the unrest and violence of the past decade, and they see him as a potentially unifying figure who reminds them of the more stable days.
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Emerging story
Several Facebook pages and accounts have been circulating posts claiming that The New York Times said that "Saif Al-Islam represents an opportunity for Libyans to end the unrest and violence of the past decade, and they see him as a potentially unifying figure reminding them of the more stable days."
Misbar’s Analysis
The Misbar team investigated the claim and found it to be suspicious. The quote in the claim is slightly misphrased, which has caused a commotion. The New York Times did not state that Gaddafi represents an opportunity for Libya, but it did state that "many Libyans" believe so. Many Libyans see Mr. Al-Qaddafi as a way out of their country's decade-long tumult and violence." According to Libyan government officials, "despite his feeling that Saif al-Islam lacks an idea to save the country, many of his friends and relatives support the former dictator's son," this conclusion was drawn. The New York Times published an article on Sunday, November 14, 2021, about the candidacy of Gaddafi's son for the Libyan presidency.
The article also stated, "Some Libyans rejected Saif al-Islam Gaddafi's candidacy, describing his candidacy as a “cynical attempt to reclaim power after his father's destructive rule. But they were not hopeful that better alternatives existed.” Indicating that the NYT was merely reporting on the general opinion of the Libyan public.
According to reports, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi is running for president on Sunday, November 14, despite issuing an arrest warrant for him.
According to a report on presidential candidates issued by Libya's High National Elections Commission, only two people have filed to run for president of Libya. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi is in charge of the commission's office in Sebha, while Abdul Hakim Bayou is in charge of the Tripoli office.
Photo Description: A Facebook screenshot of the High National Elections Commission in Libya shows two election candidates.
The Commission announced the start of candidacy for the parliamentary and presidential elections on November 8. Furthermore, parliamentary nominations close on November 22nd, as does presidential candidacy.
