Muammar Gaddafi's son Seif al-Islam, wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, has not been arrested by rebels despite earlier reports and is still in Tripoli, an AFP journalist said on Tuesday.

Several journalists, including an AFP correspondent, saw Seif al-Islam in Gaddafi's residential complex in the capital. ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo had earlier said the 39-year-old was arrested and in detention.

"I am here to refute the lies," Gaddafi's son said, referring to reports of his arrest.

When asked if his father was safe and well in Tripoli, Seif said, "Of course".

Three journalists, including from AFP, were taken by car to Gaddafi's Bab al-Azizya compound by representatives of the regime.

Seif al-Islam arrived in a vehicle in front of the building complex, which was bombed by the Americans in 1986.

He was greeted by several dozen supporters waving his portrait and that of his father, as well as Libyan flags.