UN condemns torture and detention in Libya
The Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has decried the widespread practice of enforced disappearances across the nation, according to Asharq Al-Awsat via UNSMIL on September 1st .
Hanna Tetteh expressed her concern at the repressive environment that remains in Libya, concerns which have lingered following the disappearances of Libyan lawmakers Siham Sergewa and Ibrahim Al-Dersi.
Marking the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, Tetteh’s statement remarked that the UNSMIL “is gravely concerned about the continued targeting of political actors and perceived opponents, journalists, human rights defenders, activists, state officials and ordinary citizens.”
Furthermore, Tetteh stated that the “existence of unofficial detention centres widespread”, and the flaws within the Libyan judicial system have facilitated the exploitation of political imprisonment, circumventing legal processes.
International organisations have criticised the oppressive nature of Libya’s current political and judicial system. According to UNSMIL, approximately 60 people were arbitrarily detained in the first half of 2024 for expressing their political views.
Moreover, in a report released on June 2nd, Human Rights Watch said a “fragmented justice sector is suppressing fundamental freedoms and obstructing accountability for abuses in Libya.”
Despite the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) seemingly attempting to ensure democratic progress through recent municipal elections, its own failure to introduce coherent legislation surrounding freedom of expression, sustainable electoral laws and organised local government frameworks has meant Libyan institutions help to manifest authoritarian actions.
Lawmakers attempting to reform the system have, unfortunately, experienced the consequences of these failures.
Siham Sergewa was abducted from her home in Benghazi on July 17th, 2019. Renewed anger and anxiety over her life surfaced after the circulation of leaked images allegedly showing her body.
Ibrahim Al-Dersi was abducted in eastern Libya on May 16th, 2024, and on May of this year, a video circulated on social media allegedly showing Al-Dersi detained, chained and showing visible signs of torture.
The UNSMIL has called on the Libyan authorities to rapidly launch an independent investigation into his disappearance, with the hope that the recently presented UN political roadmap for Libya can help to revive these institutions and help mitigate these instances of torture and brutal repression.
Asharq Al-Awsat via UNSMIL, Maghrebi.org
Want to chase the pulse of North Africa?
Subscribe to receive our FREE weekly PDF magazine
