Libyan rights group urges closure of Mitiga Prison after inmate killed in shelling

Libya Observer

19-05-2025

A Libyan rights organisation has called for the immediate closure of Mitiga Prison in Tripoli following the death of a detainee during recent clashes in the capital.
Libyan Crime Watch said Qurayrah al-Mazoughi, 65, died when a shell struck one of the prison's wards on 14 May. He had reportedly been held without charge for more than four years by the Special Deterrence Force, which controls the facility.
At least four other detainees were injured, while the fate of hundreds remains unknown, the group said, citing a lack of transparency and basic safety measures.
In a statement, the organisation expressed deep concern over ongoing arbitrary detentions and 'inhumane' conditions at the prison.
It called for the immediate release of all detainees—especially those ordered freed by courts or held without due process.
The group also urged the Attorney General to launch an urgent and independent investigation into al-Mazoughi's death and to hold those responsible accountable under international fair trial standards.
Furthermore, it called on the International Criminal Court to continue probing alleged human rights violations in Libyan detention centres, which could constitute crimes under its jurisdiction.
The organisation is urging prosecutors to investigate the role of Abdul Raouf Kara, head of the Special Deterrence Force, under the principle of command responsibility outlined in the Rome Statute.
Mitiga Prison has long faced criticism for operating without judicial oversight and failing to meet international human rights standards.