On 25 July, the National Institute for Human Rights in Libya (NIHRL) expressed ‘deep regret and strong condemnation’ of Government of National Unity (GNU) Minister of Interior meeting with militia commander Muammar al-Dhawi, who commands the 55th Infantry Battalion in Wershefana. It noted al-Dhawi is accused of committing numerous serious human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests outside the law, forced displacement of residents, torture, and death under torture and killing outside the law. The NIHRL said the latest evidence of these facts was presented in the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the smuggling of migrants and human trafficking, which documented the accused’s involvement in this pattern of violations and crimes.
It said it considers the continued legitimization of al-Dhawi to be a flagrant breach of the obligations held by the Ministry of Interior and the Government of National Unity regarding law enforcement, respect for human rights, the strengthening of the rule of law, and the ending of impunity. This stance stands in stark contradiction to the claims made by Trabelsi and the government regarding their efforts to enforce and uphold the rule of law and to rein in the lawless, undisciplined armed groups responsible for widespread, grave violations against victims and affected individuals.