18 July 2017
Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights: Liz Throssell
Location: Geneva
Subject: (1)
Libya
(1) Libya
We are deeply concerned that, after recent fighting in
Benghazi, people taken prisoner by members of the Libyan National Army, which
effectively controls eastern Libya, may be at imminent risk of torture and even
summary execution.
Our concern is based on reports suggesting the
involvement of the Special Forces, a unit aligned with the LNA, and in
particular their field commander, Mahmoud al-Werfalli, in torturing detainees
and summarily executing at least 10 captured men.
In March, amid fierce fighting for control of the
Benghazi neighbourhood of Ganfouda, a video circulating on social media
allegedly showed al-Werfalli shooting dead three men who were kneeling and
facing a wall with their hands tied behind their backs.
In June, as battles continued between the LNA and
fighters from the umbrella group of the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council,
two videos on social media appeared to show summary executions carried out by
LNA combatants on al-Werfalli’s orders. One of these videos, which emerged on 9
June, shows four men kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs who are
shot dead as al-Werfalli watches.
The latest video, which was posted on social media this
month, seems to shows LNA fighters kicking and taunting prisoners, while
al-Werfalli is apparently heard accusing two men who have their hands tied
behind their backs of belonging to terrorist groups.
The LNA announced in March 2017 that it would conduct
investigations into alleged war crimes but it has not shared any information
regarding the progress of these inquiries.
We urge the LNA to ensure there is a full, impartial
investigation into these allegations and also call on the group to suspend
Mahmoud al-Werfalli from his duties as a Special Forces field commander pending
the conclusion of such an investigation.
We have documented unlawful killings by armed groups on
all sides of the conflict in Libya, and despite ample information regarding
such crimes, widespread impunity continues.
All those responsible for committing, ordering or failing
to prevent summary executions, when in a position to do so, are criminally
liable, including under international law.
All evidence of unlawful killings and torture should be fully
investigated and those found to be responsible should be held to account in
accordance with all judicial guarantees.
The fight against terrorism cannot be used to justify summary
executions or other grave violations of international human rights law and
international humanitarian law.
ENDS
For more information and media requests, please contact
Rupert Colville (+41 22 917 9767 / rcolville@ohchr.org) or Liz Throssell ( +41
22 917 9466 / ethrossell@ohchr.org)
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