Twelve Libyan human rights organisations have called for a transparent investigation into what they described as a mass killing of irregular migrants, following the discovery of a mass grave south of the city of Ajdabiya.
In a joint press statement, the organisations said the remains of 21 migrants of different African nationalities were recovered from a mass grave, in what they described as one of the most serious crimes against migrants recorded in Libya in recent years. The victims were allegedly killed by a human trafficking gang operating in the area.
According to security and human rights sources cited in the statement, reports were received by the Internal Security Agency in Ajdabiya about the detention and execution of migrants inside a private farm. Investigations led authorities to suspect a Libyan national with a criminal record, who was allegedly holding migrants at the site.
During a raid on the location, security forces reportedly found men and women suffering from gunshot wounds in critical condition. They were transferred to Al-Shahid Emhamed Al-Maqrif Hospital for treatment. Survivors said the site was run as a secret prison outside any legal framework, and that several victims, including women and children, were killed and later buried in mass graves.
The organisations criticised the lack of any official statement from the authorities in eastern Libya or the Interior Ministry, warning that the absence of transparency undermines public trust and the right to information.
They stressed that the Ajdabiya case is not an isolated incident, pointing to similar crimes since 2017 linked to human trafficking networks and illegal detention centres across Libya. Previous incidents cited include cases in Sabratha, Mizda, Al-Shuwairif, Al-Kufra and other areas.
The groups called for an investigation, accountability for all those involved, cooperation with mechanisms, and immediate measures to prevent crimes and end impunity.
