Gaddafi's Son in Prison Cell with 'Missing Fingers'

Bashir Thaelba, a Zintan field commander who had called a news conference on another issue, told reporters in the capital that Gaddafi would be held in Zintan until there was a government to hand him over to.

The government is due to be formed within days. 'The rebels of Zintan announce that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi has been arrested along with three of his aides today,' Thaelba said in remarks carried on Libyan television.

'We hope at this historical moment that the future of Libya will be bright.'

The European Union has urged Libyan authorities, despite the NTC's decision to try him in Libya, to ensure he is brought to justice in full cooperation with the International Criminal Court.

A spokesman for the EU's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said his arrest was a 'significant development' that could help national reconciliation after a bloody civil war.

Michael Mann said: 'The Libyan authorities should now ensure that Saif al-Islam is brought to justice in accordance with the principles of due process and in full cooperation with the International Criminal Court.

'It is important for future national reconciliation that those responsible for human rights violations committed both before and during the recent conflict are brought to justice.'