Abu Zeid Omar Dorda, a former spy chief, is charged with arming his ethnic group.

The first senior official from the Gaddafi regime on Tuesday June 5, 2012 appeared in court in the capital, Tripoli on a six-count charge, including ordering the fatal shooting of protesters during last year’s war. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation-led conflict led to the overthrow and eventual killing of the ex-Libyan Leader, Col. Muammar Gaddafi.

Abu Zeid Omar Dorda, who was head of external intelligence, appeared in court behind a metal cage. The Libya Herald newspaper reported that the former spy chief who was arrested last September - a month before Gaddafi’s killing - was also charged with planning civil war, denying people their freedom to protest, illegal arrest and abuse of authority, including mismanagement of public funds. After the charges were read to him, Dorda denied them, promising to provide evidence when he testifies in court. The trial was adjourned to June 26 at the request of his defence counsel.

The Tripoli Post newspaper said Dorda arrived at the court wearing a blue prison uniform and looking slightly weary as he walked with crutches. His doctor told journalists that he was recovering from a broken hip. The hearing held at the former Tripoli Military College that has been reconfigured as a courtroom to try former regime figures. It was broadcast live on State television.

Other people expected in court in the next few days are Abdurrahman Al-Sayed, a former Army Chief, Abdulati Obeidi, Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979 and later the last Foreign Minister, and ex-Ambassador to London, Mohammed Al-Zway. In 2010, Al-Zway was chosen as Secretary-General of the General People’s Congress.

Tuesday’s hearing was attended by numerous relatives of Dorda. Various civil society and human rights organisations were also present as were a fair representation of the Arab and international press. Those in court were given the opportunity to talk to Dorda about his health, how he has been treated, and if food was provided where he is being detained.

Abu Zeid Omar Dorda was a former Prime Minister, Governor, Culture Minister and diplomat. He was among a group of top 16 Libyan regime figures wanted by the international community following the war against Gaddafi. His trial is seen as a test for the country’s battered judiciary as it clamours to try other high-profile Gaddafi regime insiders amid international doubts about the efficacy and fairness of its legal system.