Mohamed Ali Ahmed Elmushraty, widely known on social media as Lilu King, will not be extradited to Libya despite rumours swirling within the North African community that he will be following a new government deal.

The rumours come following a meeting held in Rome, Italy, of global leaders including Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela. The meeting was focused on economic cooperation between European and African nations to address the ongoing migration challenge.

However, following the meeting, Libyan journalists began reporting the Lilu King had made his way into negotiations.

“In a dangerous precedent that violates the Geneva Refugee Law, an agreement was made today between the Maltese and Libyan Prime Ministers during their meeting in Rome to extradite the Libyan refugee, Mohammed Al Misrati (also known as Lilu), to Tripoli in the near future,” said one media report.

However, informed sources told Lovin Malta this was far from the truth, with the Maltese position clear: extradition cannot be granted to Libyan authorities by the Maltese government, but only by the Maltese courts. 

Lilu’s legal team had previously spoken out about their fears for their client if he was to be extradited back to Libya, his homeland.

They said that he likely faces torture or even death in Libya. Interpol had revealed that Libya has requested Elmushraty’s extradition, citing serious charges such as murder and drug trafficking.