Laurie Penny

Pop culture and radical politics with a feminist twist

Inside the Saif house

The UK home of Colonel Gaddafi’s son is in the hands of Libyan exiles. This is what it’s like from within.

By Laurie Penny Published 15 March 2011 11:38

"My family had to leave Libya just to survive," says a young bearded man in spectacles, perching awkwardly on a white leather sofa. We are in the front room of Saif al-Islam al-Gaddafi's mansion in Hampstead Garden Suburb, recently expropriated by activists working in alliance with Libyan exiles. An hour earlier, I had passed through an open window near some ugly imported ferns belonging to Muammar al-Gaddafi's son, having been invited to meet the members of the new Free Libyan Embassy.

We drink stewed tea from Saif's best china and eat cheese sandwiches using his silver cutlery, while the young man, Abdulla, tells me about how his uncle was "disappeared" by Saif's father. "In Libya, people disappear all the time. There was a prison massacre where 1,200 people died. They poured cement over the bodies." Abdulla nervously adjusts his glasses. "It's important that people know we're not creating a civil war for no reason."

Nearly every room in this enormous house boasts a large, flat-screen television. The occupiers have set each one to al-Jazeera, for rolling coverage of the people's revolutions that are sweeping the Arab world. Televised gunfire echoes in the marble hallway as Jay, 25, explains how activists from the London squatter movement took over the Gaddafi mansion, moving in secretly and putting up notices declaring their intention to hold the empty house under English common law. "We wanted to show our solidarity the best way we know how," he says.

Protestors on the roof of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi's Hampstead house.

“It's a symbolic and practical reclamation of private property that belongs to the Libyan people. It's about their struggle, which is why the place has been handed over to the Libyans as a place to organise and a safe space for refugees," Jay says. "People have been arriving in support from all over the UK." The tabloids have portrayed the occupiers as drunken anarchists but this is, in Jay's words, "total bollocks". "On the first night, people came down thinking there would be a squat party and we turned them away. They didn't seem to realise how seriously we're taking this," he explains.

“At first, we were elated that we'd managed to pull it off. Then the Libyans turned up and they were elated. But once they started to get reports about family and friends being killed, the atmosphere changed. We were watching Zawiyah burning on al-Jazeera and someone saw his own house. It was terrible."

Jay takes me on a tour over four floors of hushed opulence, each several times the size of an ordinary London flat. "It's worth nearly £11m," he says. Under the kitchen is a cosy entertainment complex, complete with pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and a private cinema done out in suede, the pews so thick and warm you could sleep on them – which people have been doing. On the corner of one aisle a bare duvet lies, neatly folded. Everything here is white, bright and glistening: white leather sofas, marble floors, silver candlesticks adorning pristine white walls. The only note of colour is in one of the guest bedrooms, where a Libyan flag has been draped over the TV.

Fuelling anger

Fearing the spectacle of bailiffs dragging Libyans out of the private property of a Gaddafi, at a time when the UK government is desperately downplaying its erstwhile support for the dictator, the authorities have kept their distance. But that doesn't mean that there have been no attempts to get the occupiers to leave.

“Last night, at about four in the morning, someone came to the door," Jay says. According to Abdulla, "It was a well-dressed Arab person, [wearing] nice clothes and gold. When I asked him what he was doing here so late, he said, 'I want to make you an offer.' He told us: 'I have £40,000 in cash. You can have it if you leave immediately.' No amount of money could make us leave this house. It's not a financial issue."

Libyan exiles inside Saif al-Islam Gaddafi's house.

On the sofa opposite, a quiet man called Ambarak suddenly speaks up in Arabic. "What's a life worth?" he says, as Abdulla translates softly. "What are 100,000 lives worth?" Ambarak perches on the edge of the sofa, looking out of place in his keffiyeh and scuffed trainers. "I'm talking about people being shot by snipers in the street. I'm talking about family members selling dry bread to live.

“They ask what the west should do, but they've known about [Muammar] Gaddafi for years," he continues in broken English. "They did nothing. The petrol . . ." – he rubs his fingers together in a "money" gesture, grinning without humour. "My brother has disappeared in the fighting. We haven't heard from him, we have no way of contacting him." Ambarak goes very quiet. "Excuse me, please. I must go and pray."

"The resources that come out of Libya should belong to the people but that petrol money goes somewhere else," says Abdulla. "All those close to Gaddafi have places like this to live. There are some who are heartless and will do anything for a comfortable life."

Ambarak's family is in Misurata, where fierce fighting continues. "They say on the phone that they can hear shooting and tanks are coming down the street. My cousin has died, [as have] my friend, my neighbours."

An influx of neighbours bearing food terminates the interview. A young man wearing a Libyan flag like a cape takes the cups politely to the sink. He is a long way from home. "We all want to go home," says Abdulla. "But not to Libya as it is now."

The Libyans involved in this article wanted their names to be known; other names have been changed. Anyone wishing to support the Free Libyan Embassy can send a donation to wmclibya.org

Tags: Libya

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105 comments

Tue, 2011-03-15 16:25 — Huh? (not verified)

Where are the Torytrolls complaining about squatters?

Sat, 2011-03-19 12:19 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

No wait, the house sale might be on again. The 'original' owners are using ammo to retake their property from the squatters... even though they say they aren't. Where's the cavalry?

Tue, 2011-03-15 18:16 — suburbanmonk

Well done - however i think it may be an idea for your next articule to encourage people to reflect on the wests usual smoke and mirrors. Its obvious to me and I'm sure others that the western powers are playing nothing but lip service to the freedom fighters of libya, talking about a flyzone in the open, but actually more than happy to see libya stay in the hands of that dictator. Look at the troops moving into Bahrainn (sorry about spelling)to crush the freedom movement there, and what does the west do, sod all!!
Until a revolution comes to our island nothing will change. Look at our news, so controled most people no nothing about the protests across europe or the USA, all the local law changes going on through the USA banning unions etc. This is a new part of the cycle of the western world, we are moving very close to a facist state across the western hemisphere and no one blinks twice. A friend from the sudan tells me of the shooting of protestors there and we hear nothing. God help the people of theses states and indeed god help us all.

Fri, 2011-03-25 11:23 — Sidi Mohammed (not verified)

WAR FOR LIBYAN OIL
The western nation has no any tactics or mission accept killing all the Libyans from the air by bombing them for the sake of OIL. Shame on all the Arab Leagues they support the international community to war the Greater Leader Muammar Algaddafi and Libyans. Let them get ready by the time they finish with Libya the will turn to Arab League too, and finish them one by one. Mahmoud Jibril a former minister of national planning and strategic in Libya ...and now the head of Terrorists/rebel, betray Muammar Gaddafi and sold his mother land Libya to west for oil.
Sidi Mohammed (Ag) Ahmed Zaidan.
May Allah in his efficient mercy give Muammar Gaddafi a total victory over his enemies and the enemies of Libya.

Tue, 2011-03-15 18:51 — willoyen

it's all very well protesting that the west does sod-all. The west usually does too much, as in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, supporting Mubarek until the last minute, supporting Saddam until things soured, the Saud family, Israel in its brutalities, Morocco, etc etc. Patrick Cockcroft recently showed that Blair knew nothing of Iraq. What do you really know about Libya, the Jamahiriya Libiya? Is there just one group resisting the dictator? who are they? what do they stand for? Who will we be "helping"?Please enlighten me, I am ignorant. Which group are you supporting, and why? And when the Saudi royals start shooting, do we impose a no-fly zone on them? And when Morocco attacks Western Sahara? and Russia invades Georgia? and the US invades whoever it damn well likes?

Wed, 2011-03-16 22:24 — ang (not verified)

@Etch tee.
I want to talk about Bahrain. Why isn't the UN having an emergency meeting re a no-fly zone here then?
Let me think?......$$$$$$$$$$

Sat, 2011-07-23 08:09 — Casandra

Until a revolution comes to our island nothing will change. Look at our news, so controlled most people no nothing about the protests across Europe or the USA, all the local law changes going on through the USA banning unions etc. http://www.homeimprovementhq.net/

Thu, 2011-03-17 00:03 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

You're right Buckskins property isn't nine tenths of the law but it's at least 90%.

I was just trying to say that it's difficult to take things from people once they have possession of them. I'm surprised that the property hasn't been stripped of its TVs, gold taps, and diamond crusted mircowaves. By the end of next week when Gaddafi takes back further rebel places I foresee all the copper being carted to the scrap merchants.

What I'm puzzled by is who is paying for the electricity and water?

Thu, 2011-03-17 00:08 — rizlaskins (not verified)

haha..
"Your prose is only eclipsed by your unique interpretation of British law"
British common law actually.
buckskins your prose doesn't really make any sense. but it made me laugh. cheers. (you keep up the good work. your ilk must be proud.) oh and your comments are about as relevant as the sued clothing you name yourself after...

Sat, 2011-03-19 17:00 — stuart (not verified)

you disturb me mr divine,, you have admitted on medhi hassans blog you have converted to islam(part muslim),,does that explain your nastyness and hatred just lately..just asking mate..

Tue, 2011-03-15 21:23 — Kenan (not verified)

Something here reminds me of Animal Farm. A bit ominous really.

Fri, 2011-03-18 05:24 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

"We went to see a solicitor who told us we needed a possession order from a barrister, and it would take several weeks and a few thousand pounds in fees to get the squatters out,"

The article also says that the police are reluctant to employ their resources. That's a green light for a giant house sale.

Thu, 2011-03-17 01:52 — Jack USA (not verified)

Now even your muzzies are squatting! I'd say your dream of foreigners assimilating to your layabout ways are a smashing success! LOL

Tue, 2011-03-15 23:12 — Mickey (not verified)

Andrew Sullivan has linked you.

Great work.

Hope to these young men.

Tue, 2011-03-15 23:12 — JohnBaxendale

Wow! Flat-screen TV, eh! Obviously, money is no object to the Gaddafi boys!

Wed, 2011-03-30 11:11 — Sidi Mohammed (not verified)

Muammar Algaddafi is very much right let the so called international community (west) live Libya for Libyans they are not helping the issue at all instead they are worsen the matter more. Bombing all the military planes, barracks and hospitals, schools, resident, killing both Libyans soldiers and civilians, supporting terrorist/rebels. To bring down an independent government, this is totally wrong. The world leaders are out of their mind looking only for oil to drink without knowing the dangers of this pressure to collapse Gaddafi regime. Not possible in sha Allah. Sidi Mohammed (Ag) Ahmed Zaidan.

Wed, 2011-03-16 00:42 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

Buckskins you asked, 'Why aren’t these guys back home fighting it out with the oppressors along side the doers instead of the talkers?'

Possession is nine tenths of the law. Why would you go and face bullets when others can do it for you? Why not stay in a 11 million quid house with the possibility that you can claim a share of it if your side wins? Walking away from a possible share of a lottery win isn't really an option for these squatters.

The problem comes when Gaddafi regains control as it seems more likely that he will do (but things may change again). Then your face will be known by Gaddafi's agents in London and you'll be looking over your shoulder for the rest of your life.

The roll of the dice.

Wed, 2011-03-16 00:48 — 1R4M

if u read the article carefull JohnB
it says that NEARLY EVERY ROOM in the FOUR FLOOR FLAT boasts a flat screen tv

Thu, 2011-03-17 04:47 — Mr Woogy (not verified)

@Laurie Penny
15 March 2011 at 12:15

OK. Laurie baby, these are not smelly immigrant Afghans, but you did think about the last jornalist who had a tete a tete with muslims. Amazing how this rape was airbrusshed out of it. If had been an amercian marine...........

Wed, 2011-03-16 02:04 — John Brooks (not verified)

>I think you'll find that Gaddafi will probably retain power. When he does he'll be taking his house back any way he can. It's sad.

Be careful about sticking your face into this too much Laurie.

If Obama twiddles his thumb he very well may, but that doesnt mean the United Kingdom doesnt and cant follow the path of Sarzoky and France and recognize the Libyan Rebel Movement of the legitimate government of Libya.

I highly doubt if Gaddafi wins, which if no one does nothing, if the government seizes it, he is going to come back and take it back by force unless you back down and act like chickens. Its not like he will send a Mig-23 to the UK.

Wed, 2011-03-16 02:05 — John Brooks (not verified)

Also I think this sounds like the nice place for the new Libyan rebel government embassy in the UK.

Sat, 2011-03-19 20:38 — stuart (not verified)

hey buckskins. how are you,,mr divine(stephen) behavior has changed since he converted to islam,,but as long as he looks after his beard i have no problems with him..

Wed, 2011-03-16 02:23 — south pacific

You Brits have sucked up to Gaddafi for years and you will do it again if he prevails.

Why are there so many foreign crook,political and otherwise, living and owning property in Britain??

Money ,money money...........

Wed, 2011-03-16 02:34 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

@John Brooks: He doesn't have to take it back by force as he legally owns it. If Gaddafi wins he'll take the house back by legal and maybe 'strong muscle' means. Anyone associated with possession of the house will be watching their backs for stabs for years to come. It'll be psychological torture at best.

Sat, 2011-03-19 21:37 — Kriss (not verified)

>The problem comes when Gaddafi regains control as it seems more likely that he will do (but things may change again). Then your face will be known by Gaddafi's agents in London and you'll be looking over your shoulder for the rest of your life.

So, the thing to do here is to keep our mouths shut and keep out of it? Really?

Wed, 2011-03-16 04:11 — Captain Sensible (not verified)

Arabs killing arabs is goota be news for the rest of the world!

Fri, 2011-03-18 15:12 — Richard (not verified)

I look forward to truncheons meeting heads when this comes to pass: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/8388795/Squatting-t...

Also, Laurie, can't your parents house a few of these "heroes" in their home. Thought not.

Wed, 2011-03-16 04:43 — Sargent Sophisticated (not verified)

Not as good as the news that Captain Sensible has killed himself.

Wed, 2011-03-16 06:05 — Rebecca Schoenkopf (not verified)

Great story, Laurie! Glad you're still kicking ass!

Wed, 2011-03-16 07:28 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

Nice one sargent

Wed, 2011-03-16 07:36 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

@captain insensible: Yesterday I played table tennis with a new player, a doctor from North Africa. He beat me 6 out of 7 games. I really want to play him again because usually I win .. how else am I going to improve? Also he does a valuable job at the local hospital. I'm very pleased that he is alive and being of such value to me and my community. He has an intensity that is beautifully intense. It makes me yearn to live in an Arabic country.

When he looks into my eyes and talks I love it. He senses who I am.

Wed, 2011-03-16 07:59 — Sidi Mohammed (not verified)

THE WORLD UNDERSTANDS NOW THAT THE WESTERN POWERS CAUSE FOR CIVIL WAR IN LIBYA FOR OIL!
Aljazeera conspiracy Report…
Please live Muammar Algaddafi alone, NATO military intervention in Libya is not a good solution innocent people will die the more like Iraq and Afghanistan … Let Libyans solve their problems themselves; The Rebels Groups should drop arms & accept Leader Muammar Algaddafi invitation to table for diplomatic negotiation. Absolutely that is the only way out. We sympathize, and condolence with the families of the Earthquake Victims. And hope the superpower so called NATO should kindly sent immediate help to Japan people to rescue them from the Earthquake…
Almuamar Algaddafi And Libya don’t need NATO, we thank God for the victory of Almuammar algaddafi over Al-Qaida and rebel most surrender, even do US, UN, UK, EU, France etc. are supporting them.
Sidi Mohammed (Ag) Ahmed Zaidan
“Libya is not a piece of cake” God Bless the Son of Almuammar Gaddafi is a Hero

Wed, 2011-03-16 08:02 — Sidi Mohammed (not verified)

Title: The whole world is not with MUAMMAR GADDAFI But God (S.H.T.) is with him

___________________________________________________________________________________
MUAMMAR GADDAFI the best and most respected president of AFRICA May God continue to guard, save and protect the well blessed president of Libya and the entire people of Libya. When Gaddafi COLLAPSE, Libya collapse when Libya collapse Africa COLLAPSE. The US and UN wanted to do Libya what they did to Iraq and Afghanistan, killing them and looting their Oil resource. By God Grace that will never happen to Libya, God is with them.

Libya is not like Egypt or Tunisia, Libya is a rich country and the people of Libya enjoy their natural resources. No African country that its people enjoy their natural resource (Oil) like Libya. Everything is free for the citizens, Eg: Education, health care, Accommodation Vehicles, Electricity, Water, Farms, Salary. And much more…

So you see if Gaddafi goes Libya is finished. May Allah Guard and protect MUAMMAR GADDAFI from his enemies and the enemies of Libya progress.
I call on all the great people of Libya don’t allowed the international community, and Aljazeera false report to separate you. You see what happened to Iraq, Afghanistan, and others always killing, raped, and …

Aljazeera showing some part of Egypt protest and claim is in Libya. US have already sanctions Libya. But with all this if God say no nobody say yes. Let MUAMMAR GADDAFI Enemies stay long and see that nothing In sha- Allah will happen to him, except what come from Allah. (S.H.T.)

Western Power UN/US does nothing to President Laurent Gbagbo Loser to democratically Elected President Winner Alhassan Watara. But Laurent Gbagbo is still ruling. Because Ivory Coast has no Oil. So no tension from the western leaders. They only need Libya Oil.

The so called Western Powers are using Al-Qaida to fight Libya. And to use all means of force to remove the great Leader of Libya Muammar Algaddafi. But no way for them died and live are in the hands of Almightily Allah.

Libya is one people, one nation, one religion,
Sidi Mohammed (Ag) Ahmed Zaidan
We supporter Muammar GADDAFI
____________________________________________________________________________________
Their Terrorists rebels are caring heavy weapons and killing National security Guards and military force and other innocent people. This is not a peaceful protest but it is a war. And US and UN and Aljazeera False media supporting the rebel with all they can to kill The Great Leader Muammar Alggdafi and finished Libya like what they did to Iraq. May Allah protect Muammar Alggdafi and the Libyans from this devil work of Al-Qaida.
Sidi Mohammed (Ag) Ahmed Zaidan
We love and support Muammar Alggdafi Government

Wed, 2011-03-16 08:26 — Sidi Mohammed (not verified)

Terrorists cry for foreign help in Libya" Aljazeera TV is also with Terrorist …
In defeat, the Terrorist show their true intentions: "To bombing military bases, communications and command in the county, through the UN," said a rebel in Benghazi. This kind of action was put in place in Iraq in the days before the heartless American attack which killed millions of Iraqi civilians. And France, UK are supporting the Terrorists In Libya. There will usually regret it. Because Muammar Gaddafi has already win the war against terrorist/al-Qaida backed by western powers.
"Libya is not Egypt. Or Tunis “where people a suffering to misery and unemployment. In Libya, the nation is the highest and the richest in Africa; the Libyans have the best quality of life and support the leader Muammar Gaddafi because he is the best leader in the world.
We thank Allah that Libya hasn’t fallen in the dirty hands of Terrorist; it will forever remain in the hands of the great leader Almuammar Algaddifi.
Those UK are bad friends they seize Seif Al-Islam House in London since they fill to take away Libya Oil.hahaha.. shame on you UK
Sidi Mohammed (Ag) Ahmed Zaidan
We love and support Muammar Algaddafi

Wed, 2011-03-16 09:09 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

ET: something else is happening. How did Sidi make that extended line?

And he is not the messiah! I haven't said I am!

Most UK Journalists are actually awful's picture

Sun, 2011-03-20 01:18 — Most UK Journalists are actually awful (not verified)

I honestly feel that lovely Laurie should be in Libya herself, reporting truthfully in her inspiring prose, right from the front line, just as I'm sure Orwell himself would be doing with such enormous events taking place on the world stage lately.

Her articles can never come quick enough!

Look forward to many, many more dear woman :)

Sun, 2011-03-20 03:26 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

@Kriss: The house that is so lavishly furnished has probably got a lavish system of hidden cameras. Why do you think I asked the question, "who is paying for the electricity and the water?"

If the secret cameras are there, anyone making soup in the kitchen will have their recipe nicked, anyone revealing secret plans will have their secrets upended, and anyone in the bath naked will have their private parts plastered all over the internet.

Its too late to keep out of it, you're already in the soup Kriss. I hope Laurie doesn't take too many more dips.

Fri, 2011-04-29 17:03 — maxinemf

Instead of squatting in Saif's house, why don't they go to Libya and fight with the so called freedom fighters!!!!!!

Sun, 2011-03-20 03:59 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

@stuart: don't worry, a lavish camera system isn't in your bathroom. Besides it would take telescopic lenses of great magnitude to capture any images of your wood.

Sun, 2011-03-20 06:16 — stuart (not verified)

you dirty lambshanking perverted peephole spying perv mr divine..

Mon, 2011-08-22 09:42 — Daniel Harvey (not verified)

Having gone to the house in person myself I can tell you there are certainly no flat screen televisions left! Particularly the one that was being moved into a waiting car when i arrived with food and refreshments. I was really disappointed that a) the tabloids were not completely wrong and b) what I thought was an excellent movement was actually a fraud and c) I'd bothered to travel for two hours to bring food to thieves. They didn't even let me into the house after I brought them their amenities. Perhaps they'd run out of money by the time I got there and needed to raise funds.

Sun, 2011-03-20 07:28 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

quite the adjective king so early in the morning and so accurate... many hours have i spent looking through jordell bank's lenses to spy on the smallest willy in the universe.

Wed, 2011-03-16 13:53 — Reginald-Fah-fah

Disgusting behaviour! I live around the corner from this house and these posters hanging on the roof are pulling the neighbourhood down!

Sun, 2011-03-20 12:42 — lala (not verified)

I don't understand how the british law has a loophole that permits some people to invade others' property, while not being able to evacuate them by force... This is a true act of injustice, just as the west is trying to impose on Libya by allowing rebels (or revolts, never really mind) to advance on account of the governement forces positions. If they really care about people's lives and blood spell, they should've tried to disarm both sides, or even better offer some kind of truce between the two of them...
Such Nonsense...

Tue, 2011-03-15 11:51 — Tony Blair (not verified)

So I admit. Labour & Gadaffi did go hand in hand. Now lets not use the word Government too lightly, eh?

Tue, 2011-03-15 11:53 — Andreas (not verified)

Thanks for this, great read.

Out of curiousity, what's the general Statesman's reader of NATO imposing a no-fly zone? What about direct military intervention?

Tue, 2011-03-15 11:55 — Heathcote

Very good! Occupy! Everyone who wants to support the Libyans - there are people almost everyday outside the Libyan embassy, go and show them your support!

Tue, 2011-03-15 11:56 — jdennis_99 (not verified)

"Fearing the spectacle of bailiffs dragging Libyans out of the private property of the Gaddafi family, at a time when the UK government is desperately downplaying its erstwhile support for the dictator, the authorities have kept their distance."

Don't you mean, Labour's erstwhile support?

Wed, 2011-03-16 17:33 — rizlaskins (not verified)

actually possession is 9/10s of the law. and so called libyan property has now been seized and all assets frozen. so shut up and f*** off buckskin you wannabe tory scum.

Sat, 2011-03-19 03:49 — stuart (not verified)

any lazy idle bums tried to occupy my flat buckskins would get a good ass kicking back in to the garbage bin mate..