The National Institution for Human Rights in Libya (NIHRL) has called for an urgent investigation into the killing of a young civilian in western Libya, warning of a growing pattern of violence and impunity.
According to a statement issued by the organisation, 20-year-old Siraj Shalladi was shot dead after being targeted by gunfire along the coastal road in the Matrad area, west of Al-Zawiya. The incident occurred when armed individuals described as outlaws opened fire on the vehicle in which the victim was travelling.
Two additional people were injured in the attack. The victims, identified as individuals from the Rashid and Al-Bashkar families, were accompanying Shalladi at the time of the shooting. Their condition has not been officially disclosed.
The rights body urged the Ministry of Interior, the Al-Zawiya Security Directorate, and the Office of the Public Prosecutor at the Zawiya Court of Appeal to launch a comprehensive and transparent investigation. It stressed the need to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure that those responsible are apprehended and brought to justice.
The organisation further emphasised the importance of ending impunity for serious crimes and violations, stating that such acts continue to undermine the rule of law and public trust in state institutions.
In its statement, the rights group expressed deep concern over what it described as a surge in unlawful killings across several Libyan cities. It specifically highlighted Al-Zawiya, Ajilat, Sorman, Sabratha, Tripoli, and Janzour as areas witnessing rising violence.
The group attributed the escalation to the weakness of security institutions and their failure to protect civilians, residents, and property. It also pointed to the expanding influence of armed groups operating outside state control.
The statement concluded by urging authorities to take decisive measures to restore security and accountability across affected regions.