The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has raised serious concerns over a growing wave of arbitrary arrests, particularly targeting lawyers, judges, and military personnel. The UN has called for the immediate release of detainees, highlighting the use of filmed confessions, where individuals are allegedly coerced into admitting to crimes and then publicly humiliated.
Libya remains divided since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival authorities: the UN-recognized government in Tripoli and the eastern faction led by military commander Khalifa Haftar. According to UNSMIL, the practice of forced confessions is not only illegal but also aims to intimidate individuals and undermine the rule of law.
Among those arrested are Judge Ali al-Sharif, who was reportedly subjected to violence during his arrest in Tripoli on March 10, and lawyer Mounir al-Orfi, detained in Benghazi since March 12. Additionally, two military prosecutors, Mansour Daoub and Mohammed al-Mabrouk al-Kar, have been held in Tripoli since 2022.
UNSMIL has condemned these actions, calling for an end to practices that violate international law and human rights standards.
Sources: UNSMIL Statement, Reuters
