Diplomatic row brews between Libya and Switzerland

A diplomatic crisis is brewing between Libya and Switzerland following the arrest of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s youngest son. Demonstrators in Tripoli have called for oil exports to Switzerland to be cut, while some Swiss companies operating in the capital have been ordered to close their offices.

It comes after police in Geneva held Hannibal Gaddafi and his wife for two days after they allegedly hit two of their domestic staff. They have both been charged with ill-treatment and released on bail. Both have denied any wrongdoing.

The Swiss Foreign Ministry has sent a delegation to Libya to try and avert a crisis. The ministry also said Libya has reduced flights between the two countries and has stopped issuing visas to Swiss citizens.

Switzerland imports at least half its crude oil from Libya, through a company run by Hannibal Gaddafi.

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