Mass graves unveiled in Libya

(MENAFN) Dozens of bodies have been found in detention centers across Libya, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) reported on Wednesday, urging an independent investigation into the disturbing discoveries and reported abuses at these sites. Since the NATO-supported uprising that ousted long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi over a decade ago, Libya has been plagued by violence, political chaos, and lawlessness.

The mass graves were uncovered in Tripoli, the capital, at both official and unofficial locations controlled by the Stabilization Support Apparatus (SSA), an armed militia tasked with supporting government security.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed grave concern, saying the findings confirm fears of widespread abuses. The discovered sites contained dozens of bodies, suspected instruments of torture, and possible evidence of extrajudicial killings. The SSA, aligned with Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), has faced long-standing accusations of torture and enforced disappearances.

The grim discoveries followed violent clashes in Tripoli after the assassination of SSA leader Abdelghani al-Kikli (known locally as Ghaniwa) on May 12. His killing led to intense fighting between rival militias, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to vital infrastructure like hospitals.

Between May 18 and 21, at least 77 bodies were found, including ten burned corpses at the SSA’s Abu Salim headquarters and 67 others stored in hospital refrigerators. Another burial site was located at the SSA-controlled Tripoli Zoo.

Turk emphasized the urgency of securing these sites and preserving evidence to ensure those responsible face swift justice.

Libya remains deeply divided between the UN-backed GNU in Tripoli and the rival Government of National Stability based in Benghazi. Ongoing militia battles, political deadlock, and intermittent violence continue to destabilize the country.

Mass graves have been uncovered in Libya before. In February, at least 28 bodies—likely migrants—were recovered from a mass grave in Kufra, a city far southeast of Tripoli. The UN also reported two other graves discovered in Jakharrah and Kufra containing 10 and 93 bodies respectively.

Since Gaddafi’s fall in 2011, Libya has become a key transit point for migrants from across Africa attempting to reach Europe, fueling a human trafficking crisis amid the country's turmoil.

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