HRW Accuses Eastern Libya of Executing 31 People

Human Rights Watch has accused eastern Libyan military authorities of executing at least 31 people since late August, warning that dozens more detainees could face imminent execution after what it describes as unfair military trials.

Dozens more face execution risk

The rights organisation said at least 50 people held at Gernada military prison remain at risk of execution. It called on the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, led by General Khalifa Haftar, to stop the killings immediately and introduce a moratorium on capital punishment.

Trials allegedly involved torture

Human Rights Watch said the executions followed secret military proceedings that relied on confessions allegedly obtained through torture. Many of those executed or detained were arrested in Derna and Benghazi during fighting between Haftar’s forces and rival armed groups from 2014 to 2018. The group described the proceedings as grossly unfair and said the reported executions were the first known in Libya since 2010.

Libya remains politically divided

Libya has faced prolonged instability since the 2011 uprising that overthrew longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. The country remains divided between an internationally recognised government based in Tripoli in the west and a rival eastern administration supported by Haftar.