Muhammad Gaddafi


Muhammad Muammar Gaddafi is the eldest son of the former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. While he was regarded as a possible successor as ruler of Libya from his father, he was reported to be uninterested in the role.
He was also the chairman of the General Posts and Telecommunications Company which owned and operated cell phone and satellite services in Libya. The company is the exclusive internet provider to Libya, and immediately after the beginning of protests against the Gaddafi government in February 2011 which led to the Libyan Civil War, it cut internet links between Libya and the rest of the world.

Libyan civil war

On 21 August 2011, Muhammad surrendered to rebel forces of the National Transitional Council as they took over Tripoli. While being in custody in his home he gave a phone interview to Al Jazeera, saying that he surrendered to the rebels and had been treated well before the line went dead from apparent gunfire. The National Transitional Council head later spoke to Al Jazeera assuring Muhammad's safety. Muhammad spoke to Al Jazeera again confirming his safety and that of his family. On 22 August 2011, he escaped reportedly with the help of Gaddafi loyalists.
On 29 August 2011, he entered Algeria along with several other members of the Gaddafi family. In October 2012 they left a hideaway in Algeria to go to Oman, where they were granted political asylum.