CNN
–
The UN is calling for an independent investigation after discovering dozens of bodies and evidence of human rights abuses in a militia-run detention facility in Libya’s capital, Tripoli.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Wednesday he was “shocked” by the revelation of significant human rights abuses revealed on a site run by the Libyan militia SSA. He called for the site to be “sealed” quickly and Libyan authorities to carry out a “quick, independent, fair and transparent investigation.”
Formed in 2021, the SSA (Stabilization Support Device) is a militia umbrella group that is prominent in western Libya and is facing previous allegations that they committed abuse and human rights abuse in the violence that has taken Libya since the collapse of Moremargadafi.
“The findings confirm the findings of years of investigations from the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the previous UN Independent fact-discovery mission, and relating to the existence of such places and the extent of violations committed in connection with them, including torture and the loss of death that was carried out,” Türk said.
Reports received by his office between May 18th and May 21st detail the excavations of 10 “charging agencies” at the SSA headquarters in Absalim district of Tripoli. Another 67 bodies were found in the refrigerators of the capital Absalim and Alkadra Hospital, with some bodies said to be in high decomposition due to power outages.
It is also reported that a burial site was found at Tripoli Zoo, which is under SSA control. The identity of the victim remains unknown. Alongside the bodies, “a measure of suspected torture and abuse, and potential evidence of extrajudicial killings” was revealed. “Our worst fears have been confirmed,” Türk said.
Türk emphasized the important need to maintain the evidence. “These sites must seal all potential evidence stored to support immediate accountability efforts. Those responsible for these heinous conduct must be brought to trial without delay in accordance with international standards.”
He expressed concern that Libyan forensic authorities being tasked with excavating and identifying has not yet been granted access to the site, prompting full and unhindered access. Türk also called on Libya to grant UN access to the United Nations to document violations as part of its mission.
The High Commissioner condemned the distribution of “terrifying images and video footage” on social media sites, claiming that “we must respect the dignity and privacy of the victims and the rights of their families.”
The harsh discoveries follow the killing of SSA leader Abdulgani Kikuri in May and the subsequent clash between national security forces and armed groups. These clashes sparked protests calling for an end to the violence in Tripoli. This reportedly led to Turk’s death and damage to property, including the hospital, as well as civilians and police officers.
This raises “serious concerns about assuring the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and assembly and the need to protect citizen spaces.”
Libya has been caught up in a political crisis since the overthrow of long-time dictator Gaddafi in 2011, causing a surge in armed groups across the country.
The October 2020 ceasefire agreement provided temporary relief, but Libya remains divided from various rival armed groups seeking to control the capital.
