Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam sentenced to death in Libya

A court in Libya has sentenced Col Muammar Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam, and eight others to death over war crimes linked to the 2011 revolution.

The men were on trial along with dozens of other close associates of the deposed leader, accused of suppressing protests during the uprising.

The BBC reports that Saif al-Islam was not present in court and gave evidence via video link. He is being held by a former rebel group from the town of Zintan that refuses to release him.

Former head of intelligence for the Gaddafi regime, Abdallah al-Senousi, is also among those facing the death penalty, as is former Prime Minister Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi.

The BBC adds that they will also be given the right to appeal, and other defendants have received sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment.