The National Commission for Human Rights in Libya (NCHRL) condemned the torture of a citizen who refused to shake hands with the Interior Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Emad Al-Trabelsi.
The Commission denounced the arbitrary detention, torture, and verbal abuse suffered by the citizen, Hassan Al-Thinni, by individuals suspected to be affiliated with the force supporting the Border Guard Agency of the GNU’s Interior Ministry in Ghadames.
Several video clips circulated on social media platforms over the past two days documenting the incident, which involved stripping the citizen of his dignity and humanity while he was bound and detained by armed individuals, actions deemed illegal.
“This crime committed against the victim constitutes a serious violation of human rights, human dignity, and humanity, as it violates national legislation, including Law No. (10) of 2013 regarding torture, enforced disappearance, and discrimination, as well as Articles (430-431-439) of the Libyan Penal Code concerning crimes of threat, abuse of power against individuals, and defamation,” the statement said.
The Commission said such acts and practices are forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment as defined by the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment ratified by the Libyan state.
The National Commission for Human Rights in Libya called on the Interior Ministry to urgently investigate this heinous crime committed against Al-Thinni. It also called for the perpetrators to be prosecuted, and for the Minister of Interior to be held responsible for the incident and its repercussions.
Furthermore, the institution urgeed the Attorney General’s Office to initiate criminal proceedings, conduct a comprehensive and urgent investigation into the circumstances of the incident, ensure the prosecution of the perpetrators, and end impunity for these serious crimes and human rights violations.
NCHRL holds the Minister of Interior fully accountable for this incident and the harm inflicted on the victim, as he was the main cause of the victim’s ordeal by security personnel affiliated with the Ministry of Interior under his leadership.
