On 12 June, the Government of National Unity (GNU) Minister of Interior Emad Trabelsi tasked the head of the Criminal Investigation Department to arrest Sabratha militia leader Ahmed al-Dabbashi aka al-Amu within 24 hours for committing numerous crimes. In the letter, Trabelsi ordered an investigation into al-Amu and to arrest him and anyone proven to be involved with him in committing crimes. It said this is to be carried out in coordination with the competent security authorities in the city of Sabratha, in accordance with the law and applicable arrest procedures.
MoI authorities emphasized that this move is part of broader efforts to restore security in Sabratha and uphold the rule of law. The Minister has promised to continue cracking down on criminal activities and ensure the protection of citizens.
However, the order came after a video was widely circulated on Libyan social media allegedly show al-Amu torturing a woman from Sabratha, who reportedly died on 21 February 2024. The videos depict a chained woman with signs of severe beating and a man, allegedly al-Amu, making threats.
On 13 June, the First Support Force/Counter Security Threats Agency raided a number of smuggling and illegal migrant dens in Sabratha. A number of human traffickers, members of the Dabbashi clan, were arrested.
On 13 June, the National Institution for Human Rights in Libya (NIHRL) condemned the video showing militia leader al-Amu interrogating a chained woman, calling it an ‘inhumane’ and ‘blatant assault on human dignity.’ The NIHRL holds Trabelsi and PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba responsible for failing to curb such abuses. They demand a full investigation and prosecution for al-Dabbashi’s alleged crimes, which include human trafficking and migrant abuse. The NIHRL renewed calls to disarm militias and re-establish state control in western Libya.