Brussels, 24/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Union called on Monday 24 October for the Libyan Transitional National Council (TNC) to respect human rights after the announcement of the re-introduction of Islamic Sharia law. We hope that the new Libya will be founded on respect for human rights and democratic principles, Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for High Representative Catherine Ashton told AFP. France said that it would be closely monitoring respect for human rights and especially for cultural and religious diversity and for gender equality, “by which France sets great store”.
TNC President Mustapha Abdel Jalil said on Sunday 23 October that the law would be based on Sharia. As examples, he said polygamy would be permitted and divorce banned. “As an Islamic country, we have adopted Sharia as the principal law. Any law which infringes Sharia is legally nul and void”, he stated. Ashton's spokeswoman declined to comment on the displaying of Muammar Gaddafi's body in Misrata when Islamic tradition demands that he be buried within 24 hours of his death. (CG/transl.rt)