UN Alarmed by Disturbing Footage Allegedly Showing Torture at Libyan Prison

UN Alarmed by Disturbing Footage Allegedly Showing Torture at Libyan Prison

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed deep concern over “disturbing footage circulating on social media” that allegedly shows the torture of detainees at the Gernada prison in eastern Libya. The footage, which remains unverified, has raised alarm due to its graphic nature and the human rights implications it presents.

The Gernada facility, located approximately 250 kilometers from Benghazi, is operated by military personnel loyal to Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA). Haftar supports the eastern-based administration, which competes with the internationally recognized government in Tripoli. Critics of Haftar’s administration, including political opponents and activists, are reportedly among those detained at the facility.

Although the authenticity of the video has yet to be confirmed, UNSMIL has stated that it bears the hallmarks of human rights violations that have been documented in detention centers across Libya. The UN mission has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the footage to determine the extent of the abuses and to hold those responsible accountable.

Rights organizations have long criticized Libya’s detention facilities, accusing various factions, including Haftar’s forces, of committing widespread human rights abuses. These violations include torture, unlawful detentions, and arbitrary killings, often carried out with impunity. The Gernada prison is just one of many facilities in the war-torn country where abuses are believed to occur regularly, particularly against political dissidents and prisoners of war.

The UN has urged both the Tripoli-based government and the eastern authorities to respond to the footage and address the accusations. However, as of now, neither government has made a public statement on the matter.

The situation in Libya remains deeply fragmented, with ongoing conflict between rival governments and various armed factions. While the international community continues to call for peace and accountability, human rights violations in detention centers persist as a pressing issue that demands immediate attention.

The UN’s call for an investigation into the alleged torture at Gernada prison reflects growing concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Libya and the need for greater international pressure to bring an end to the abuse of detainees.

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