Bardo — The extradition operation of Mr. Baghdadi Mahmoudi was magnified and challenging this decision is an "overbidding" on the Libyan Government in the Human rights field, Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali estimated.

"There is no reason to magnify Mr. Mahmoudi's handover," he added at the extraordinary plenary session held, on Friday, at the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) members' request, specifying that it is unacceptable to "disregard" the Libyan brothers and accuse them of "laxism" when it comes to respect of Human rights.

He apologised on the occasion, in his capacity as Head of Government, "for any misunderstanding that might be caused by these apprehensions."

Mr. Jebali estimated that the fact of making Mr. Baghdadi Mahmoudi's extradition conditional upon the election of a Libyan government is "an unjustified questioning of the legitimacy of the current Libyan government."

Mr. Mahmoudi's extradition reinforces, he said, Tunisia' image at home and abroad, as a State of law and institutions, that abide by Human rights and supports its position in demanding the extradition of the symbols of the former regime.

"Written and verbal commitments were made by the Libyan authorities that Mr. Mahmoudi would be well treated and ensured with a fair trial," he added.

Mr. Jebali refuted the information stating that the government had concluded a "deal" with the Libyan authorities, adding that it is a matter of principle.

It worth pointing out that Mr. Baghdadi Mahmoudi's handover to the Libyan authorities had triggered a great controversy in the country, pushing more than a third of the NCA members to call for a session to question the prime minister about the circumstances and the date of this operation, announcing their determination to present a no-confidence motion against the government.