Eastern Libya Executes 10 on Terrorism Convictions, Rights Groups Protest
Eastern Libyan authorities executed 10 people convicted of terrorism by military courts, prompting rights groups to question the legality and fairness of the trials.
Authorities in eastern Libya announced Sunday that they had executed 10 individuals convicted by military courts on terrorism-related charges. The executions, carried out by firing squad, were confirmed by the office of the military prosecutor, which operates under the self-styled Libyan National Army led by General Khalifa Hifter.
The convicted individuals were found guilty of offenses including joining terrorist groups and assassinating military personnel and civilians. The prosecutor's office stated that the executions followed the conclusion of all legal procedures, though it did not specify the exact timing or location of the executions.
Local media reported that the executions took place at the Qarnada military prison in the northeastern town of Shahat, and that families were notified to collect the bodies from a hospital in Benghazi.
Rights groups swiftly condemned the actions. The National Institution for Human Rights in Libya said that trying civilians in military courts raises fundamental questions about jurisdiction, judicial independence, and fair trial guarantees. The group called on Libya's chief prosecutor and judicial authorities to investigate the executions and the trial procedures.
The group also pointed to a Constitutional Court ruling that declared the trial of civilians before military courts for terrorism-related offenses and crimes against the state unconstitutional.
International human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized Libya's use of the death penalty following trials they describe as grossly unfair. Amnesty International has noted that courts in both eastern and western Libya continue to impose death sentences for murder after such proceedings.
Libya has been divided since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi. The country remains split between rival administrations in the east and west, each supported by various armed groups and foreign governments.