The Libyan Association of Members of Judicial Bodies condemned UNSMIL for its inaction regarding human rights violations against judicial members, specifically in relation to Judge Ali Al-Sharif and lawyer Munir Abeid. The association emphasized the need for equitable handling of human rights cases and warned of possible cessation of cooperation with UNSMIL if it fails to support judicial integrity.

Recently, the Libyan Association of Members of Judicial Bodies expressed deep concern regarding the United Nations Support Mission in Libya’s (UNSMIL) lack of responsiveness to human rights violations affecting its members. They specifically criticized the silence of UNSMIL’s Rule of Law Section in light of the arrest and alleged assault on Judge Ali Al-Sharif and lawyer Munir Abeid.

In their official statement, the association urged the UN mission to treat human rights cases consistently and avoid selective responses in its communications. The group emphasized that both the mission and its human rights section must follow the principles laid out in their founding resolution without deviating from them.

The association articulated that the primary role of the Rule of Law Section is to endorse human rights and maintain the integrity and dignity of the judiciary while respecting the judicial authority’s autonomy. They cautioned that cooperation with the mission might be suspended if it continues to stray from its legal obligations and neglect the rule of law.

The reported incidents highlight these concerns: Judge Ali Al-Sharif was assaulted and detained at his residence in Tripoli’s Souq Al-Juma district, only to be released later due to the intervention of Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour. Concurrently, lawyer Munir Abeid was apprehended in Benghazi by armed individuals linked to the Internal Security Agency, allegedly without due legal process and moved to an unofficial detention facility in Sidi Hussein.

The Libyan Association of Members of Judicial Bodies strongly advocates for UNSMIL to address human rights violations and emphasizes the need for impartiality in handling such matters. With the reported assaults on judicial figures, the association warns of a potential cessation of cooperation with UNSMIL should the organization fail to adhere to its foundational principles. Their call for action highlights the pressing need for consistent support for the rule of law in Libya.

Original Source: libyaobserver.ly