Human rights group demands end to military detentions in Libya

The Committee for Justice (CFJ)has called on Libyan authorities to end what it described as arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of civilians in Tripoli, as reported by Libya Review on August 2nd. 

In a CFJ statement, the human rights group said it has documented several complaints involving civilians who were reportedly stopped and detained at checkpoints operated by the 111th Brigade in several areas of Tripoli, including Airport Road, Al-Khaltat, Al-Habda Al-Khadra Project and Abu Salim.

A suspected mass grave was found in Abu Salim in March; rival armed militias are present in the region, where they are implicated in civilian deaths.

According to CFJ, the reported incidents also included raids on private homes, during which residents were allegedly arrested with no judicial warrants or announced legal grounds.

It stated that the information it collected indicates that several detainees were transferred to the headquarters of the 111th Brigade, where they were allegedly held without being referred to the Public Prosecution or other competent judicial authorities.

Furthermore, the CFJ alleged that some detainees were subjected to enforced disappearances, with their legal status and whereabouts unknown to their families.

Other individuals were reportedly released after being held for varying periods; the CFJ added that others remain detained. 

The organisation urged the immediate release of anyone held arbitrarily and called on the authorities to disclose intentions and locations of the individuals allegedly subjected to enforced disappearance.

It added that all detainees should be brought as soon as possible before the competent judicial authorities and granted the guaranteed legal protections under Libyan law. 

Additionally, the CFJ called for the detention of civilians by military formations to end, arguing that these and similar cases should fall under the jurisdiction of civilian judicial institutions.

Libyan authorities were urged to investigate the reported incidents and hold accountable anyone responsible for violations of the rights to liberty, personal security, and due process. 

The CFJ said human rights standards remain essential to protecting civilians and preventing further abuses.

Strengthened accountability and ensured legal safeguards for detainees are crucial steps toward reinforcing public confidence in Libya’s justice system while protecting fundamental rights. 

Libya Review, Maghrebi.org.