Lawyers for Justice in Libya (LFJL) extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the attack on the High National Election Commission (HNEC). LFJL condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the cowardly attack and urges the Libyan state to hold those responsible to account.

Four armed individuals are reported to have been involved in a suicide attack on the HNEC building in Tripoli on the morning of Wednesday, 2 May 2018. The Health Ministry has so far confirmed that 12 persons were killed in the attack and a further seven have been injured. No group has of yet claimed responsibility.

HNEC plays a critical role in supporting Libya’s elections, including the first elections held for many decades in 2012.  Whilst the attacks highlight Libya’s precarious security situation and urgent need for the State to protect the human rights of all persons, it will do little to deter the will of the vast majority of Libyans to achieve a peaceful and democratic society.

LFJL Director, Elham Saudi remarked “HNEC and all of its staff have played a key role in supporting Libya’s transition to democracy. We will honour the memory of those who lost their lives today by continuing to push for what they worked for undeterred; free and fair elections and a democratic Libyan society.”

The Libyan State must hold all those involved in the criminal attack to account. LFJL calls for the State to launch an immediate investigation into the events and for all those who enabled the attack to be prosecuted.