A Tunis-based appeals court has approved the extradition of Libya’s former Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi back to Libya.

Libya’s new government, the National Transitional Council (NTC), requested the extradition. Al-Mahmoudi has expressed concerns for his safety if he returns to Libya as he has knowledge of many Libyan state secrets.

He served as prime minister until former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled earlier this year. In August, Tunisia recognised the NTC as the Libyan government and has promised full cooperation on security issues.