Amnesty International has voiced concerns regarding the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) potential legitimization of armed groups, particularly the Internal Security Agency (ISA), which is accused of severe human rights violations. The ISA has integrated former Gaddafi-era officers and is linked to arbitrary detentions and torture of critics. As the GNU’s budget allocates funds to these groups, Amnesty calls for accountability over financial backing to prevent a continuation of abuses.
The Government of National Unity (GNU) in Libya is facing scrutiny for potentially legitimizing armed groups, particularly the Internal Security Agency (ISA), which has been tied to significant human rights violations. Amnesty International reports that members of the ISA have committed egregious human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and enforced disappearances, aimed at suppressing dissent. As the House of Representatives reviews the GNU’s 2021 budget proposal, which includes funding for such militias, Amnesty urges the government to refrain from legitimizing these abusive entities.
The ISA, which has integrated former officers from the era of Muammar al-Gaddafi, has revived severe repressive tactics. These armed groups operate predominantly in eastern Libya, under the influence of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF), led by General Khalifa Haftar. Heba Morayef, Regional Director of Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Office, emphasizes the importance of not intertwining militias with governmental structures and instead calls for accountability for those committing crimes against humanity.
Amnesty’s investigations indicate a disturbing resurgence of Gaddafi-era practices among the ISA, where numerous individuals have been forcibly abducted from their homes or public areas without legal warrants. Those detained face torture and inhumane conditions without access to proper legal or family support, contributing to systematic enforced disappearances. Reports from victims illustrate the extreme violence used to extract confessions or intimidate dissenters.
The organization documented that individuals targeted by ISA include journalists, activists, and opponents, often based on their tribal affiliations. Victims narrate harrowing tales of beatings and threats, with some being held for extended periods under dire conditions. Women, too, have become victims, as evidenced by the abduction of Haneen al-Abduli, who was targeted for her vocal opposition to the murder of her mother.
In an alarming trend, the GNU’s proposed budget allocates significant financial resources to the ISA and other militias linked to human rights abuses. An estimated 260 million LYD, as well as billions for other armed groups operating in Libya, may further entrench these violent factions rather than support accountability measures. Amnesty International warns that continued financial backing of these groups undercuts efforts to rectify the ongoing cycle of violence in Libya.
Since gaining leadership amidst divided governance, the GNU has struggled to assert control over militias dominating various regions. The ISA has operated with little restraint since the LAAF’s ascendancy in 2014. Although some former ISA members have integrated into official structures, reports of abuses persist, prompting calls for a firm stance against the legitimization of these agencies and their practices.
In summary, the situation in Libya illustrates a troubling intersection of governance and human rights, where the GNU stands accused of complicity in the actions of armed groups like the ISA. The abusive practices of these groups reflect a grim reality for many in Libya, underscoring the urgent need for accountability rather than funding. Prompt intervention and adherence to human rights standards are essential to halt the abuse cycle and restore justice in Libya’s volatile landscape.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
