Swiss man held in Libya to return home after governments reach deal to end 2-year dispute

Swiss man to leave Libya as 2 nations end dispute

TRIPOLI, Libya — A Swiss businessman held in Libya for two years is to return home Sunday after the two governments struck an agreement ending a diplomatic dispute.

The row began with Switzerland’s arrest of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s son, Hannibal, and his wife in 2008 for allegedly beating their maid in a Swiss hotel.

Amid the diplomatic fallout, Max Goeldi was one of two Swiss citizens convicted of violating residency laws in Libya. Amnesty International said Goeldi’s conviction was politically motivated.

Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa says the Swiss government paid Hannibal Gadhafi $1.5 million in compensation for mistreatment during his arrest.

Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey said Goeldi “will leave Libya tonight.”