Latest news with #SumoodConvoy
Libya Observer
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
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.
Libya Observer
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Sumood Convoy says 7 detained activists are released, hoping for return of the rest
The Sumood Convoy, which is part of international efforts to break the siege on Gaza, announced the release of seven of its members who had been detained by the forces of Khalifa Haftar, following days of negotiations and communication with various parties. A statement issued by the convoy explained that the release was carried out according to prior understandings, without disclosing the details, adding that contacts are still ongoing to secure the release of another group of detainees. Earlier, the 'Joint Action Coordination for Palestine' had announced its decision to withdraw from completing the Sumood Convoy's journey towards the Rafah crossing, after Haftar's forces insisted on preventing the convoy from crossing Sirte. Wael Nawar, the convoy's spokesperson, said that the decision came as a result of continuous restrictions, confirming that the sit-in in the Buwairat Al-Hassoun area west of Sirte will continue until all the detainees — a total of 15 people — are released. Nawar had previously announced that 15 members of the convoy, including 11 Libyans, were arrested by security units affiliated with Haftar's forces on the outskirts of Sirte. He also mentioned that he himself was physically assaulted, dragged, and had his belongings stolen, before the convoy was forcibly pushed back toward the outskirts of Misrata. Nawar pointed out that the decision to withdraw was made to avoid further violations, especially after participants were attacked at the 'Gate 50' checkpoint west of Sirte. He confirmed that authorities in the eastern region explicitly informed them during a meeting with the Hamad government: 'If Egypt agrees, we will allow you to pass.' Several members of the convoy also spoke of shocking details of what they faced on the outskirts of Sirte, where they were subjected to a suffocating siege, deliberate starvation, direct threats at gunpoint, as well as physical assaults and arrests of several participants, including the convoy's spokesperson.
Libya Observer
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Sumood Convoy gives up drive to Gaza border and calls on Haftar's forces to release detainees
The Joint Action Coordination for Palestine announced its withdrawal from continuing the 'Sumood Convoy' march towards the Rafah crossing. The convoy's spokesperson, Wael Nawar, explained that the decision to withdraw came after the persistence of east Libya forces in preventing the convoy from crossing through Sirte. Nawar reaffirmed that they will continue their sit-in in the Buwairat Al-Hassoun area, west of Sirte, until 15 detained members of the convoy are released. Nawar had earlier announced that 15 convoy members, including 11 Libyans, were arrested by security elements affiliated with Haftar's forces on the outskirts of Sirte. He said that he personally was assaulted, beaten, and dragged, in addition to having his personal belongings stolen, before the convoy was forcibly pushed back toward the outskirts of Misrata. He indicated that the decision to turn back was made to avoid further violations, after the participants were attacked at the 'Gate 50' checkpoint west of Sirte. Regarding their meeting with the Hamad government, Nawar said that the authorities in eastern Libya told them explicitly: 'If Egypt agrees, we will allow you to pass.' Some convoy members revealed shocking details of what they experienced on the outskirts of Sirte, where forces affiliated with the eastern Libya government surrounded them and prevented them from continuing their journey. The participants spoke of a suffocating siege, deliberate starvation, direct threats at gunpoint, as well as physical assaults and arrests of several members, including the convoy's spokesperson.
