Libya cracks down on armed militia with arrest warrants

On July 9th, Libya’s Attorney General issued arrest warrants for 172 members of the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), a powerful state-funded armed militia based in Tripoli, according to Libya Review.

The Stability Support Apparatus has been a controversial presence in Libya, frequently accused of operating outside the rule of law.

The group has faced criticism from local and international human rights organizations and allegations of utilising arbitrary detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

The statement from the Attorney General revealed that the investigative committee assigned to the case documented 146 incidents of severe human rights violations committed directly by members of the Stability Support Apparatus.

The investigation that was conducted included testimonies from 201 individuals, which revealed the depth of the crimes and harms carried out by members of the group.

The Attorney General, based in Tripoli, reaffirmed in his statement that Libya remains committed to pursuing justice and holding all violators accountable, regardless of their position or affiliation, stressing also that protecting human rights and ensuring justice are non-negotiable priorities.

So far 11 suspects are in pre-trial detention, and authorities have been ordered to identify and locate other suspects and missing persons connected to the incidents.

On May 14th, Maghrebi reported on the violence erupting between armed militias in the capital city of Tripoli, triggered by the killing of the commander of the Stability Support Apparatus.

The violence prompted the Government of National Unity to advise citizens to remain indoors, affecting day to day life for most people in the city.

A government committee has also warned that Tripoli is at serious risk of further violence due to the conflict between armed groups.

The action of issuing arrest warrants is an unprecedented attempt from Libya’s judiciary to curtail the unchecked power of groups like the Stability Support Apparatus. 

Libya Review, Maghrebi.org