Rights group calls for prosecution of Libyan commanders
The National Institution for Human Rights in Libya has warned that armed groups accused of serious human rights abuses cannot be trusted to enforce the law while operating under their current structures, as reported by Libya Review On August 1st.
In a statement issued on August 1st, the institution said several armed groups had been granted judicial enforcement powers and formally designated as security agencies or military units despite alleged involvement in serious violations. According to the National Institution for Human Rights in Libya (NIHRL), the alleged abuses include unlawful detention, arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance, torture and the broader mistreatment of detainees.
The NIHRL additionally accused these groups of failing to comply with judicial authority, refusing to implement court rulings and orders, and disregarding provisions of Libya’s Criminal Procedure Law. It said suspects were not always transferred to the Public Prosecution within the legal time limits following arrests and preliminary investigations.
The institution argued that limited administrative changes would not be enough to address the situation, and called for the comprehensive reform and restructuring of security agencies and military units accused of operating outside the law. It stated that the process must begin with holding members and commanders responsible for serious human rights violations and other alleged crimes.
It called for those responsible to be brought before the courts through fair legal proceedings. It added that accountability was necessary for justice to be provided to victims, compensate those who were affected and end the widespread culture of impunity in Libya. Stronger respect for judicial decisions and legal procedures governing arrests, investigations, and detention, were also called for by the NIHRL.
It stated that genuine security reform must strengthen the rule of law and prevent the recurrence of torture, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and other violations.
Its statement comes amid demands from both Libyan and international human rights organisations for greater accountability, judicial oversight of detention facilities and the reform of the armed groups that operate under state institutions.
Libya Review, Maghrebi.org
Want to chase the pulse of North Africa?
Subscribe to receive our FREE weekly PDF magazine
