HRW: Activists being silenced by attacks, threats and harassment in west Libya

BY Libyan Express Jul 29, 2017 - 10:22

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said that activists in western Libya have been physically attacked and threatened by armed groups, some affiliated with U.N.-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) based in the country’s capital, Tripoli.

The statement by the HRW on Thursday says that Libyan “authorities seem unable to rein in the attackers, enabling them to operate with impunity.”

It says many activists have fled the country after threats or attacks by armed groups and militias.

HRW also urged the Tripoli-based government to hold armed groups, especially those aligned with it, accountable if they threaten, harass, or assault activists.

According to the HRW, in western Libya, armed groups operate checkpoints, police neighborhoods, and run prisons, but are also involved in criminal activities including smuggling, extortion, and thuggery.

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