Government says Libya lied about Hammerl

By Lelethu Mquqo
20 May 2011


Government has defended its handling of the killing of photojournalist Anton Hammerl by saying it had been constantly misled by the Libyan authorities over his whereabouts and condition.

Addressing a news conference in Pretoria, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said at one point even Muammar Gaddafi himself directly lied by confirming that Hammerl was alive and well.

When American journalists were released yesterday, it emerged that Hammerl had already been dead for 45 days after being shot by Gaddafi loyalists.

Nkoana-Mashabane says government is determined to ensure that his remains are brought back for a decent burial.

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