The National Commission for Human Rights in Libya (NCHRL) has condemned the arson attack on the Al-Koms football team bus in Tajoura. The commission holds the Tripoli-based government responsible for the incident and demands an investigation.
In a statement, the commission called for the immediate suspension of the Libyan league due to the risks faced by players and fans, citing the failure in managing and organising the league and the need to prevent an unprecedented disaster.
It urged the relevant authorities, particularly the Ministry of Interior, to conduct a thorough and immediate investigation into the incident. It emphasised the importance of apprehending and prosecuting the perpetrators to ensure they are not left unpunished.
The commission also held the Acting Minister of Interior, Emad Al-Trabelsi, and the President of the Libyan Football Federation fully legally accountable.
Furthermore, the NCHRL stressed the importance of respecting athletes’ rights and maintaining a safe and violence-free sports environment. It called for the protection of all teams and the assurance of their safety during their activities.
The commission stated that this act is a punishable crime, destabilises security and stability, undermines the rule of law, and constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights and sports laws and norms.
At least 9 players were injured, some of whom were stabbed with knives, and others were beaten, resulting in injuries of varying severity, ranging from moderate to serious.
According to Ahmed Al-Arbad, Executive Director of Al-Khoms Club, the players were brutally attacked by angry fans, and the team bus was also burned in the “Bevi” area in Tajoura.
Al-Arbad explained that the injuries suffered by the players ranged from moderate to serious, while stressing that he had not received any communication from the concerned authorities, such as the Executive Office of the Libyan Football Association.
This shocking incident led to the people of Al-Khoms city closing the coastal road in protest against the attack the team was subjected to.
