The National Institution for Human Rights in Libya (NIHRL) has reported the presence of expired and unsuitable medications at the clinic of Al-Jadida Prison in the Al-Jadida Correctional and Rehabilitation Institution in Tripoli.
In a statement, the organisation revealed that information about the expired medications was received by the Prisoners and Detainees Affairs Department on May 19. This information came to light during an unannounced inspection by a committee of members from the Attorney General’s office in Tripoli. The expired medications were subsequently destroyed with the assistance of the inspection committee.
The organisation noted that the findings represent a violation of prison rights and the right to healthcare, constituting a crime against the prisoners by endangering their lives and health. This situation is tantamount to attempted murder and a flagrant disregard for human life.
The organisation emphasised that this incident corroborates previous findings in their report on the conditions of inmates in correctional and rehabilitation institutions under the Ministry of Justice in the Government of National Unity (GNU), headed by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba’s , highlighting severe human rights violations.
The organisation held Halima Al-Bousifi, the Minister of Justice in Dbaiba’s government, fully legally accountable for this incident and other serious violations against prisoners and detainees in correctional and rehabilitation institutions.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
