Libyan Prime Minister Osama Hammad has ordered the formation of a temporary national committee to oversee prisons, detention centers, and the legal status of detainees across the country, in a move aimed at strengthening oversight and reinforcing respect for the rule of law and human rights.
The committee was established under Cabinet Resolution No. 487 of 2025 and will operate under the direct authority of the Council of Ministers.
Its primary mandate is to review and document the conditions of all prisoners and detainees nationwide, verify the legality of their detention, and examine the validity of arrest and detention orders issued against them.
The committee is also tasked with ensuring that detainees are brought before judicial authorities within the legally mandated time limits.
According to the decision, the committee will review the cases of prisoners serving final sentences to confirm that court rulings are properly enforced. It will also oversee the immediate release of individuals who have received acquittals or legal release orders, addressing concerns over prolonged or unlawful detention.
Beyond legal review, the committee is responsible for monitoring conditions inside prisons and detention facilities, identifying violations or deficiencies, and submitting urgent recommendations to the government to address any shortcomings.
The resolution stresses the need to comply with national legislation and international human rights standards, particularly regarding healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, humane treatment, and access to rehabilitation and training programs.
The move comes amid ongoing domestic and international concerns about detention practices in Libya, including allegations of arbitrary detention, delays in judicial proceedings, and poor living conditions in some facilities.
