Libya’s National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) has issued a damning statement accusing Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba’s Government of National Unity (GNU) of committing a “political crime” by coercing thousands of civil servants and military personnel to participate in a staged pro-government rally in Martyrs’ Square, Tripoli.
According to the NHRI, it received verified complaints from public sector employees who reported being subjected to “direct pressure and explicit threats,” including termination, forced transfers, and suspension of salaries, should they fail to attend the gathering. The institution condemned the move as a “flagrant violation of the Libyan constitution, national laws, and international human rights obligations.”
“Thousands of state employees were compelled to take part in pro-Dbaiba demonstrations — a scenario Libya has not witnessed even during its darkest authoritarian eras,” the statement read.
The NHRI emphasized that this act constitutes a crime involving the misuse of state institutions and public resources to impose political loyalty through coercion. It added that the government’s actions reflect “the most repressive aspects of authoritarian rule” and contribute to the erosion of civil freedoms in Libya.
The statement also warned of the grave implications of militarizing state institutions. It revealed that military personnel, police forces, and armed brigades — particularly from the city of Misrata — were reportedly pressured to join the orchestrated demonstrations.
“Forcing soldiers and police officers into political displays sets a dangerous precedent and undermines national unity, democratic integrity, and the people’s demand for fair elections and legitimate governance,” the NHRI warned.
The human rights body announced it will submit an urgent official complaint to the Attorney General’s Office, including names of government officials implicated in the operation and supporting documentation from aggrieved civil servants.
Additionally, the NHRI confirmed that it has begun documenting all related violations for submission to relevant international human rights bodies.
“We call for an immediate, independent investigation into Prime Minister Dbaiba and the involved ministers,” the statement concluded. “This is not just a violation of civil rights — it is a political and ethical collapse.”
