On 23 August 2026, media reported that ten prisoners in eastern Libya were executed by a firing squad. The Military Prosecutor General’s Office, affiliated with the General Command of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF), reportedly confirmed the execution, stating that the prisoners had been convicted for ‘terrorist crimes’ by a military court. Local human rights organisations have so far been able to identify nine of the ten executed men as civilians. Local sources suggest that the number of executed prisoners might be higher. Some sources also indicate that the executions might have taken place in Garnada prison, notorious for human rights violations. Further information on the circumstances of the executions, however, is yet to be confirmed.  

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These reports raise serious concerns about violations of fair trial guarantees and the right to life, within the broader context of violations associated with detention and military trials in Libya. For years, survivors, human rights organisations, and UN bodies have rung the alarm about violations of due process guarantees by Libyan military courts. Lawyers for Justice in Libya (LFJL) has documented the LAAF’s recourse to counter-terrorism laws to bring civilians to stand trial before military courts under trumped-up charges of terrorism-related crimes. Moreover, by executing civilians following military trials, authorities might have violated the prisoners’ right to life. While Libyan law continues to provide for the death penalty, international law restricts its use to crimes of extreme gravity following a fair trial with due process guarantees. These criteria cannot be met when civilians are tried before military courts.

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The lack of verifiable information available concerning the identities of those executed, the judicial proceedings to which they were subjected, and the circumstances surrounding the executions further heighten human rights concerns. Local sources indicated to LFJL that authorities requested some of the families of the executed individuals to complete the burials without receiving condolences.  

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“The news of the executions is extremely concerning. It shows the extent of militarisation of institutions including detention facilities where grave human rights violations have been documented for years,” said Elham Saudi, Executive Director of LFJL.  “The apparent impunity with which these grave violations are reported to have occurred speaks to the complete disregard to human life and the rule of law.”

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LFJL calls on Libyan authorities to conduct a prompt, independent and transparent investigation into all aspects of the executions. Those responsible for violations must be held accountable, and victims and their families must have access to effective remedies. Libyan authorities must ensure that no civilians are tried before military courts. Libya should further abolish the death penalty, both in law and in practice, as it is irreversible and at serious risk of miscarriages of justice.  

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Lawyers for Justice in Libya is a working name of Route Justice.

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