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Libyan Express
08-06-2025
- Libyan Express
Benghazi death triggers probe demand
BY Libyan Express Jun 08, 2025 - 19:36 Updated: Jun 08, 2025 - 19:39 Murad Mansour Al-Madhkoor The Libyan Crime Watch has asked the Attorney General to conduct an independent investigation into the death of 51-year-old Murad Mansour Al-Madhkoor in Benghazi. The organisation states that Al-Madhkoor was shot by members of the 20/20 Battalion, which operates under the Tariq Bin Ziyad Brigade within Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army. The incident occurred at Al-Madhkoor's farm in the Sidi Faraj area. Video footage reportedly shows two armed individuals in civilian clothing during the incident. Al-Madhkoor was taken to Venice Hospital, where the same individuals allegedly gained access and killed him whilst he was receiving medical treatment. The Libyan Crime Watch reports that the incident followed a month of disputes between the victim's family and battalion members over land ownership. The family had declined to sell their property to members of the military unit. Three of Al-Madhkoor's brothers were detained following the incident and later released without formal legal proceedings, according to the organisation. The Libyan Crime Watch has characterised the death as an extrajudicial execution and cited international human rights law violations. The group has called on eastern Libyan authorities, including Haftar's command structure, to investigate the incident and address what it describes as civilian targeting. The case occurs within Libya's complex political environment, where multiple authorities and armed groups have operated since the 2011 conflict that ended Muammar Gaddafi's rule. Various human rights organisations have documented incidents involving arbitrary detention and civilian deaths across different regions of the country. The 20/20 Battalion forms part of the military structure in eastern Libya, operating under the Tariq Bin Ziyad Brigade within the broader coalition aligned with Haftar forces. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libya Observer
19-05-2025
- Libya Observer
Libyan rights group urges closure of Mitiga Prison after inmate killed in shelling
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.
