“Human Rights Watch”: Eastern Libya’s record is “flawed” regarding deplorable detention conditions

Human Rights Watch accused the militias and agencies affiliated with the American Khalifa Haftar of undermining the criminal justice system in Libya, which it described as “fragile.”

The organization explained that there are serious concerns about the legal procedures that must be taken in Libya, as judges, prosecutors, and lawyers are exposed to the risk of harassment and attacks at the hands of armed militias, while military courts continue to try civilians.

The organization indicated that there are dozens of Libyans being detained for long periods throughout Libya without trial and in prisons run by militias, and only nominally subject to the control of the post-February Nakba authorities.

Human Rights Watch described the record of Haftar’s agencies in eastern Libya as “flawed” with regard to deplorable detention conditions and lack of due process.

It pointed out that “Benghazi Internal Security previously arrested Fathi Al-Baja, a university professor, and politician Tariq Al-Bashari, and accused them of planning to overthrow the army.”

It added, “The agency also arrested former journalist and diplomat Nasser Al-Daisi, and political activist Salem Al-Araibi, in addition to the arrest of Siraj Daghman, and his death in detention centers, noting that the arrest of Daghman, Al-Baja, and Al-Bashari came after their participation in discussions during a symposium on the repercussions of the collapse of the Derna Dam.”