Libya's Supreme Court on Thursday nullified a law passed at the start of May that banned glorification former dictator leader Muammar Qadaffy... the like of whose wardrobe will never be seen again. At least that's what we hope...
who was ousted from power and killed in an uprising last year after more than four decades in power.
In a brief hearing, the head of the Libyan court's constitutional chamber announced "In the name of the people, the court has decided on the unconstitutionality of Law No 37,"
It followed an appeal lodged with the court by a Libyan human rights
...not to be confused with
individual rights,mind you...
group against the May 2 law adopted by Libya's ruling National Transitional Council, NTC, that drew criticism from international watchdogs over freedom of expression.
The text of the law had read: "Praising or glorifying Muammar Qadaffy, his regime, his ideas or his sons... is punishable by a prison sentence." Though not specified, under Libya's penal code, the jail terms could range from three to 15 years
The law had also criminalised spreading rumours or information that could hamper military activities, spread terror, or weaken the morale of citizens.
It had prescribed prison sentences for the glorification of Qadaffy as well as publishing any news "harming the February 17 revolution."