LFJL sends its thoughts and prayers to all those affected by today’s car bombing near the Al Jala Hospital in Benghazi, which has killed at least 12 individuals, including two children. We are deeply concerned by the continuation of such attacks in Libya, which can be attributed to the overall lack, and evasion of, accountability. LFJL urges the government to assert the rule of law and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes

Lawyers for Justice in Libya condemns the destruction of the Hamid Hudari Shrine in Sebha that occurred earlier today by two rocket propelled grenades, as reported. LFJL continues to urge the Libyan government to take all necessary measures to ensure that any remaining religious and historical sites, which may be vulnerable to attacks, are protected and that the rights of religious minorities to access their religious sites are guaranteed.

The Libyan General National Congress’ (GNC) adopted the Law Criminalising Torture, Enforced Disappearances and Discrimination on 9 April.  Lawyers for Justice in Libya (LFJL), REDRESS, the DIGNTIY - Danish Institute Against Torture (DIGNITY), and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) welcome the GNC’s initiative to provide a legislative framework for the prohibition and criminalisation of some of the most serious crimes including torture and enforced disappearances. However, the organisations remain concerned that the provisions of the new law do not fully conform with Libya’s international obligations.

On 9 April 2013, the General National Congress (GNC) made several critical amendments to Libya’s interim Constitutional Declaration that affect the law making and law reviewing processes of prospective laws intended to isolate persons from holding positions in government.  Lawyers for Justice in Libya (LFJL) strongly condemns these amendments as violations to Libya’s Constitutional Declaration, international treaties, and the fundamental principles of both human rights and the rule of law. Read more for the full legal analysis.