Libya: over 30 executed, 50 condemned remain at risk

More than 30 people have been executed in eastern Libya in recent weeks. On Wednesday, September 16, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya called for an immediate halt to further executions, while Amnesty International estimates that at least 50 other men sentenced to death are at imminent risk.

The UN mission indicates that these executions mark the end of a de facto moratorium that had been in place for approximately fifteen years. It stated that it has increased communications with authorities in the east to secure a suspension of executions and a credible review of procedures in light of fair trial guarantees.

Amnesty International claims to have documented at least 30 executions between August 23 and September 9, 2026. The organization asserts that several sentences were handed down following secret military trials marred by allegations of torture. It reports that some condemned individuals stated that confessions were obtained under duress and then used against them.

On August 23, the military prosecutor of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces announced the execution by firing squad of ten individuals convicted of offenses described as related to terrorism and murder. Libya Crimes Watch subsequently reported additional executions in the eastern part of the country and has contacted UN special rapporteurs on judicial guarantees and the right to life.

The Government of National Unity based in Tripoli has also called for a halt to executions and a review of the situation of those condemned. UNSMIL has proposed to the relevant authorities to collaborate with its human rights team on the procedures followed and the guarantees of fair trial.