Libya’s Attorney General, Al-Siddiq Al-Sour, issued a stark warning on Wednesday about the deteriorating state of the judicial system, saying that many prisons across the country are effectively controlled by militias.
During a meeting with newly appointed public prosecutors, Al-Sour revealed that each detention facility is “affiliated with a certain armed group,” making law enforcement increasingly difficult. He criticised the security institutions responsible for gathering evidence, stating that many have become either ineffective or afraid to act due to interference from influential figures and armed factions.
Al-Sour also revealed that a staggering 56,000 convicted individuals in Tripoli alone have not had their sentences enforced. “The Special Prosecutor’s Office in Tripoli has these cases documented, but execution is hindered by poor security and the power of non-state actors,” he said.
He acknowledged that many personnel in law enforcement agencies themselves have criminal records, although he noted recent improvements in the system. “We’ve succeeded in establishing a deterrent framework and sending a clear message that crimes do not expire with time. Even those sentenced 15 years ago will now be sent to prison,” he stated.
According to the Attorney General, more than 18,000 rulings have been executed in recent years—some of which predate the 2011 uprising. Despite ongoing challenges, he praised the judiciary’s growing influence, noting that convicted individuals have started surrendering voluntarily due to new enforcement measures.
These include halting salaries and blocking access to civil records, which have pressured many to comply. “We’ve restored the authority of the public prosecution,” Al-Sour concluded, affirming that Libya’s judiciary is regaining control in the face of chaos.
