I wish he wasn't dead....he should have faced trial first

So Gadaffi has finally gone. For at least two generations of Libyans, this will be a strange sensation. For families and friends of those murdered from Gadaffi terrorist atrocities, some sense of relief. Relief too for those Jews and Italians, who had their homes and businesses stolen by the regime. Justification for Neo-Conservatives who believe in intervention to stop dictatorship. Courage for the Prime Minister and armed forces, who acted to stop the genocide of the people of Benghazi. Hope for oppressed people in other dictatorships - that a tyrant can be destroyed.

And yet and yet.... whilst Gadaffi's death means vengeance, it doesn't necessarily signify justice. If he had been kept alive, he could have appeared in the International Court, to be questioned for war-crimes. It might have been possible to find out about his activities with terrorist groups such as the IRA, the Lockerbie bombing and much more besides. We might even have gained a real insight into the Dictator's close relationship with members of the last Government. Through a trial the people of Libya would have been able to demonstrate a respect for the rule of law, and the workings of newly open and democratic legal system.

I am not saying Gadaffi should never have been put to death. Far from it: the experience of Nuremburg after the second world war, makes the case for those who carry out mass murder and organise genocide to face capital punishment. There would have been a strong suit for Gadaffi - if he had been convicted by the International Court, to be put to death: although that should have been a matter for the Libyan people to decide.

If reports are accurate, it may be that there is still a chance to capture members of Gadaffi's immediate family and entourage - especially his son: 'LSE PhD'er', Saif. Every possible effort should be made to ensure that they face the courts. Only then can those who fight for freedom, ever have any chance of ensuring that vengeance-and justice-go hand in hand.