Libya: Urgent Call to Halt Legitimization of Armed Groups Responsible for Abuses

Amnesty International asserts that the Internal Security Agency in Libya perpetrates significant human rights abuses. The Government of National Unity is urged not to legitimize these militias through its budget, which allocates funds to organizations with records of violence. The report details systematic violence against critics and the chilling effect on civil liberties due to intimidation tactics.

Amnesty International has raised serious concerns regarding the Internal Security Agency (ISA) and its affiliated armed groups in eastern Libya, which are responsible for egregious human rights violations. These groups wield significant power and have silenced dissent by conducting arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and torture, targeting individuals based on their criticisms or tribal affiliations. The Government of National Unity (GNU) is currently deliberating a 2021 budget that could controversially allocate funds to these abusive entities, including the ISA.

The ISA, which has re-emerged since the fall of Muammar al-Gaddafi, comprises former officials who are implementing brutal tactics reminiscent of past regime practices. Amnesty International emphasizes that legitimizing these militias and granting them state funding only deepens the cycle of violence and repression. Those with territorial control, including the GNU, are urged to hold these perpetrators accountable rather than condoning their actions through financial support.

In interviews conducted by Amnesty International with former detainees, families, and lawyers, it was revealed that ISA groups have systematically targeted critics, activists, and journalists in cities such as Benghazi and Sirte. Reports of arbitrary abductions demonstrate how armed agents operate without legal oversight, employing violence to instill fear and silence those opposing their rule. Victims describe horrendous conditions encompassing torture and degrading treatment.

Instances of brutal abuse perpetuated by ISA armed groups include a reported arrest of a social media critic who was subjected to severe beatings and threats during his detention. Additionally, notable accounts from various tribal members indicate that affiliations can lead to torture and violence, often as retribution for political dissent against the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF).

Women have not escaped this violence, as demonstrated by the case of Haneen al-Abduli, who was abducted following public demands for justice concerning her mother’s assassination. Numerous individuals remain in military detention without trials, while others are coerced into signing oaths of silence amidst ongoing oppression.

Activists have shared their fears about potential repercussions for their outspoken views, leading to a chilling effect on freedom of expression. The ISA’s ability to intimidate political dynamics in eastern Libya poses a severe threat to democracy and basic human rights.

The GNU’s proposed budget for 2021, including substantial allocations to the ISA, reflects a troubling pattern of legitimizing violence-prone militias rather than pursuing accountability for their actions. Despite parallel governance structures complicating the situation, the call for review and accountability remains critical as Libya navigates its post-conflict landscape.

In summary, Amnesty International underscores the urgent need for the Government of National Unity to refrain from legitimizing armed groups responsible for severe human rights violations in Libya. The continuation of funding and support for the Internal Security Agency risks perpetuating the cycle of abuse and stifles the essential freedoms of the populace. Advocacy for accountability and the protection of civil rights is paramount for establishing a more secure and just future for Libya.

Original Source: www.amnesty.org