U.N. urges east Libya army to probe executions, suspend commander

Record ID: 903231

  • Title: U.N. urges east Libya army to probe executions, suspend commander
  • Date: 18th July 2017
  • Summary: GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (JULY 18, 2017) (REUTERS) UNITED NATIONS BUILDING U.N. NEWS BRIEFING ONGOING JOURNALISTS (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS AGENCY (OHCHR) SPOKESWOMAN ELIZABETH THROSSELL SAYING: "We are deeply concerned that after recent fighting in Benghazi, people taken prisoner by the Libyan National Army (LNA), which effectively controls eastern Libya, may be at imminent risk of torture and even summary execution. Our concern is based on reports suggesting the involvement of the Special Forces, a unit aligned with the LNA, and in particular their field commander, Mahmoud al-Werfalli, in torturing detainees and summarily executing at least 10 captured men." BENGHAZI, LIBYA (RECENT - JULY 5, 2017) (REUTERS) EAST LIBYAN FORCES FIGHTING EAST LIBYAN FORCES DRIVING IN JEEP WITH WEAPONS FORCES ARRIVING AT AREA WHERE FIGHTING WAS TAKING PLACE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (JULY 18, 2017) (REUTERS) JOURNALIST (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS AGENCY (OHCHR) SPOKESWOMAN ELIZABETH THROSSELL SAYING: "One of these videos which emerged on the 9th of June shows four men kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs, who were shot dead as al-Werfalli watches. The latest video, which was posted on social media this month, seems to show LNA fighters kicking and taunting prisoners, while al-Werfalli is apparently heard accusing two men, who have their hands tied behind their backs, of belonging to terrorist groups." BENGHAZI, LIBYA (JULY 17, 2017) (REUTERS) SOLDIER FIRING HEAVY GUN AND TAKING COVER BEHIND TANK SOLDIER WITH ROCKET LAUNCHER CROSSING STREET TO TANK GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (JULY 18, 2017) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS AGENCY (OHCHR) SPOKESWOMAN ELIZABETH THROSSELL SAYING: "We urge the LNA to ensure there is a full, impartial investigation into these allegations and we also call on the group to suspend Mahmoud al-Werfalli from his duties as a Special Forces field commander, pending the conclusion of such an investigation." BENGHAZI, LIBYA (JULY 17, 2017) (REUTERS) CIVILIANS RUNNING AWAY FROM CROSSFIRE, ONE OF THEM WITH CRUTCHES
  • Embargoed: 1st August 2017 12:39
  • Keywords: U.N Libya East Libya National Army LNA soldiers United Nations Mahmoud al-Werfalli
  • Location: GENEVA, SWITZERLAND & BENGHAZI, LIBYA
  • City: GENEVA, SWITZERLAND & BENGHAZI, LIBYA
  • Country: Switzerland
  • Topics: Conflicts/War/Peace,International/National Security
  • Reuters ID: LVA0016Q8UTDZ
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text:The United Nations called on Tuesday (July 18) for the Libyan National Army (LNA) which controls the eastern part of the country to investigate summary executions of prisoners.
    Its human right's body and voiced concern at the fate of those still in their custody.
    The LNA is pushing to expand its presence in central and southern Libya, where it has been vying for control with forces linked to the U.N.-backed government in Tripoli and other opponents.
    U.N. human rights spokeswoman Liz Throssell told a news briefing in Geneva that the U.N. was calling on the group to suspend Mahmoud al-Werfalli from his duties as a Special Forces field commander pending the conclusion of such an investigation.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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