On Monday, Libyan Crimes Watch (LCW) reported a wave of arbitrary arrests targeting at least nine men in the city of Yefren, located south of Tripoli. The arrests, carried out by the Central Mountain Security Directorate and Battalion 130 under the Ministry of Defence, included a member of the municipal council, two local elders, and several protesters.
The detentions follow a peaceful protest organized by Yefren residents on October 24, demanding the removal of armed groups stationed within the city. However, during the protest, armed members of Battalion 130 opened fire on the demonstrators, injuring one protester. LCW has condemned both the arrests and the use of violence, holding the Government of National Unity (GNU) responsible for the safety and well-being of those detained.
The rights group called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees, warning that such practices reflect a growing pattern of abuse of power in Libya. LCW also urged authorities to halt all forms of arbitrary detention, particularly those based on identity or social affiliation, and demanded accountability for the violations committed in Yefren.
The incident in Yefren highlights deepening frustrations among residents over the continued presence of armed groups in civilian areas. Protesters have voiced concerns about the militarization of their city, accusing armed factions of destabilizing the region. These armed groups, often aligned with political factions, operate with minimal oversight, contributing to regional instability.
The situation reflects broader challenges in Libya, where armed units under various command structures frequently engage in actions that violate civil liberties. Human rights organizations have long warned that the lack of accountability for such actions risks undermining efforts at national reconciliation.
Libya Crimes Watch emphasized the need for transparent investigations into the arrests and shooting in Yefren. The group urged the Libyan Attorney General to conduct an independent inquiry and bring those responsible to justice. Ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable is critical to preventing further abuses, LCW stressed.
The organization also called on the GNU to guarantee the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, in line with international human rights standards. It warned that ongoing arbitrary arrests and violence against civilians will only escalate tensions and undermine public trust in state institutions.
Libya has witnessed numerous human rights violations since the outbreak of civil conflict, with arbitrary detention, identity-based arrests, and extrajudicial violence becoming widespread. Both governmental and non-state actors have been implicated in abuses, as political instability continues to fuel insecurity across the country.
