3 days ago
Libyan Crimes Watch: Last June marked dangerous escalation of violations
The Libyan Crimes Watch Organization has reported a sharp escalation in serious human rights violations against civilians across Libya during last June, citing continued arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings amid a lack of accountability and failure by authorities to protect human rights.
In its monthly report, the organization documented the killing of a civilian in Benghazi, the death of an activist after his arrest in Sorman, and the arbitrary detention of 23 civilians — including children, activists, and foreign nationals — in Sirte, Benghazi, and Ubari. It also reported the discovery of 15 migrant bodies along the shores of Tripoli, Sabratha, and Tobruk.
In Benghazi, the group recorded the killing of Murad al-Madhkour by members of the 20/20 Battalion, as well as the arrest of Hussein Aqrira, head of the Dialogue Committee in Ubari. It also highlighted the detention of participants in the 'Sumood Convoy' in Sirte and the prevention of their planned journey to Gaza.
The report further documented the recovery of drowned migrant bodies in several locations, including Sabratha and Tobruk, following the sinking of a boat carrying Sudanese migrants. At least 29 individuals remain missing.
In Sorman, activist Abdulmonem Al-Marimi was detained by the Internal Security Agency and later died in Tripoli under mysterious circumstances after falling at the premises of the Attorney General.
The organization held the 20/20 Battalion and the Internal Security Agencies in both eastern and western Libya responsible for these violations. It called for an end to arbitrary arrests and urged protection for human rights defenders and migrants.
It also urged the Attorney General to launch an independent investigation into the arrests and violations connected to the 'Sumood Convoy,' and appealed to the International Criminal Court to reverse its decision to halt investigations in Libya by the end of 2025.
The organization called on the UN mission and influential international actors to pressure all Libyan parties to respect fundamental rights and freedoms and to end the prevailing culture of impunity.
