Saif al Islam -son of Muammar Gaddafi- who rebels said they had captured, visited the Tripoli hotel where foreign journalists are staying to declare that the government was winning the battle against the rebels. He appeared with cheering supporters in Tripoli, giving a boost to forces loyal to the veteran leader trying to fight off insurgents who say they control most of the capital.
He then took journalists to his father's Bab al-Aziziyah stronghold. Footage showed Saif pumping his fists in the air, smiling, waving and shaking hands with supporters, as well as holding his arms aloft with each hand making the V for victory sign.
"We broke the back of the rebels. It was a trap. We gave them a hard time, so we are winning" Saif said.
Saif's arrest had been reported both by rebels and the International Criminal Court in The Hague and his appearance before the foreign media raised questions as to the rebels credibility.