Executions in Eastern Libya Spark Human Rights Concerns
Authorities in eastern Libya have carried out the execution of 10 individuals convicted on terrorism-related charges by military courts. The announcement, made on Sunday, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations in a country marked by division between rival factions backed by different militias and foreign powers.
The eastern Libyan military prosecutor’s office stated that these individuals faced execution by firing squad following extensive trials. The legal process was overseen by the Libyan National Army, commanded by General Khalifa Hifter, which controls the eastern and southern regions of Libya.
Convictions included charges of forming terrorist groups and assassinating military and civilian personnel, according to the prosecutor’s office. While specifics regarding the charges and the exact timing and location of the executions were not disclosed, it was noted that the executions were conducted after the completion of “all legal procedures.”
Local reports indicated that the executions took place at the Qarnada military prison in Shahat, with families being informed to collect the bodies from a hospital in Benghazi. The executions have faced backlash from human rights organizations, who have raised concerns over the fairness of the trials. The National Institution for Human Rights in Libya questioned the jurisdiction and independence of trials conducted by military courts, especially for civilians.
The organization urged Libya’s chief prosecutor and judicial authorities to probe the executions and review the judicial procedures involved. Citing a ruling from the Constitutional Court, the group emphasized that trying civilians in military courts for terrorism-related charges is unconstitutional.
International human rights groups have consistently criticized Libya for detaining and executing individuals after trials deemed unfair. Amnesty International has highlighted the continued use of the death penalty across Libya for various offenses, often following “grossly unfair trials.”
Libya’s current state of division and unrest can be traced back to the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted and killed Moammar Gadhafi. Since then, Libya has been split between competing administrations in the east and west, with each side receiving support from different armed factions and foreign governments.
