On Wednesday, the National Commission for Human Rights in Libya (NCHRL) reported a disturbing case of death under torture in Sebha, a city in southern Libya.
According to the commission, Mohamed Ali Mohamed Masoud died while in custody of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Sebha Security Directorate on April 27. This tragic event came to light following a complaint from the victim’s family.
The circumstances of Masoud’s death are being described by the Commission as not only a severe breach of legal and security responsibilities but also a profound violation of human rights principles.
Such actions contravene Libyan laws, particularly Law No. 10 of 2013, which expressly prohibits torture, enforced disappearance, and discrimination. The Commission has classified this incident as a deliberate act of murder, demanding legal accountability for those involved.
In response to this grave incident, the National Human Rights Commission has urgently called on the Libyan Public Prosecutor’s Office to initiate a thorough investigation into the details and conditions leading to Masoud’s death. The Commission emphasized the necessity of legal proceedings against the perpetrators to ensure justice for the victim’s family and to hold the accused accountable.
Further, the Commission has appealed directly to the Public Prosecutor to compel the Ministry of Interior to cease these gross human rights violations, which are recognized as punishable crimes under Libyan law. The Ministry of Interior, particularly its General Administration for Inspection and Follow-up, as well as the acting Minister of Interior, are being held responsible for ignoring these crimes and violations against detainees, despite repeated demands for investigations and accountability.
The National Human Rights Commission’s actions highlight a critical moment in Libya’s ongoing struggle to uphold human rights and the rule of law, especially in its detention facilities. It underscores an urgent call for systemic changes to ensure the dignity and rights of all Libyan citizens are respected and protected.
