MELAKA, Malaysia – I first read the news of former Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi’s capture and apparent death on Twitter.
At this point, though, we can’t be 100 percent sure that he is dead.
If his death is confirmed, no doubt there will be much rejoicing.
While I don’t believe that we should feel glee when someone, no matter how evil, has died, it’s impossible not to think about the Libyans and how much they have suffered under the Qaddafi regime.
If Qadafi is dead, his death would be a relief for his country.
While he and his family lived lavish lifestyles, the Libyan people suffered. Qaddafi sucked the livelihood and opportunities from his people.
Still, I don’t want to see Qaddafi dead, at least not now. He should face justice. If he is alive, and I hope he is, he needs to be brought to court. All the injustice and crimes he committed need to be dug out and told to the world.
Qaddafi needs to have his day in court and to pay for his crimes.
Death now is too easy an escape route for him. Qaddafi doesn’t deserve a quick and easy death from gunshots in battle. The Libyan people deserve justice and they would be able to get it if Qaddafi goes on trial.
Evangeline Han is a Reporter for Youth Journalism International.