Amnesty International has raised alarms over the Government of National Unity’s proposed budget, which allocates funds to abusive militias such as the Internal Security Agency (ISA). These groups, with histories of torture and enforced disappearances, have undermined human rights in eastern Libya. There is an urgent need for accountability rather than legitimizing these factions.
In Libya, the Internal Security Agency (ISA), comprised of influential armed groups in the eastern region, is accused of committing severe human rights violations to silence dissent, according to Amnesty International. The ongoing review of the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) budget has raised concerns, as it allocates funds to these militias, suggesting a potential validation of their violent actions. The organization urges the GNU to refrain from empowering these abusive factions with legitimacy or financial backing.
The ISA has been accused of incorporating former security officers from the Gaddafi era, who are notorious for their brutal tactics. Amnesty International highlights that these armed groups have arrested, tortured, and forced the disappearance of numerous individuals based on their tribal affiliations or critical perspectives. “The Internal Security Agency armed groups have welcomed in their ranks Gaddafi-era officers and revived brutal tactics of repression,” stated Heba Morayef, Amnesty’s Regional Director.
Further investigations by Amnesty International revealed harrowing accounts of abduction and torture targeting specific individuals, including activists and journalists. Many victims endure prolonged detentions under dire conditions, experiencing physical abuse and threats designed to extract confessions. The ISA’s resurgence has seemingly reinstated Gaddafi-era repressive practices, contributing to an atmosphere of fear.
Women, too, have not escaped the ISA’s reach; they have been abducted merely for expressing opposition. One notable case involved the detention of Haneen al-Abduli, who sought accountability for her mother’s assassination. Furthermore, many detainees have faced military trials or were coerced into signing statements prohibiting criticism, stifling their freedom of expression.
Despite numerous documented abuses, the GNU’s budget proposal includes substantial financial allocations for the ISA and other affiliated armed groups, raising questions about accountability. Allocations include 260 million LYD (57 million USD) for the ISA and 2.5 billion LYD (550 million USD) for the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF). Other groups also involved in illicit activities are set to receive significant funding, as the government struggles to establish control amidst ongoing militia dominance.
Libya has been fragmented since 2014, with various factions vying for authority. The ISA began operating after the rise of the LAAF, filled with former Gaddafi loyalists. Despite the GNU’s installation in March 2021, maintaining effective governance remains a challenge and the ISA, along with other militia groups, continue to exert influence over vast territories. The integration of these groups within state mechanisms only perpetuates a cycle of violence and impunity, detracting from efforts towards national reconciliation and human rights respect.
In conclusion, the recent developments in Libya underscore the critical concerns surrounding the Government of National Unity’s potential legitimization of abusive militias like the Internal Security Agency. Amnesty International calls for urgent accountability and the cessation of financial support to factions implicated in human rights abuses. Maintaining a trajectory towards justice and respect for human rights remains paramount as Libya navigates its complex political landscape.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
