Libya’s courts aren’t working for the people who need them, Human Rights Watch (HRW) says in a new report. The group wants Libyan authorities to fix old laws, rebuild the court system, and work with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to stop abuses and hold people accountable.
HRW’s report, “Injustice by Design,” paints a troubling picture. Trials aren’t fair, lawyers and judges face threats, and military courts are trying civilians, the report says. Many people sit in prison for months or years where torture is common. This affects both Libyans and migrants. The recent fighting in Tripoli and discovery of mass graves show just how badly the system needs fixing.
Political divisions run through Libya’s institutions, including the justice sector. The Government of National Unity in Tripoli and rival groups in the east and south remain locked in a power struggle, leaving key judicial bodies divided. Some courts rarely investigate serious crimes, while old laws from the Gaddafi era, including those allowing the death penalty and other harsh punishments, are still used.
The report notes that eight people wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity are still at large in Libya. The justice system regularly tries civilians in military courts, restricts access to lawyers, and leaves many in long-term detention without due process.
Hanan Salah, Human Rights Watch’s associate director for the Middle East and North Africa, said, “By failing to address long-standing judicial reform needs, Libyan authorities are turning their back on justice and letting impunity prevail.” The report calls on Libya to update its laws, protect fair trial rights, and guarantee safety for legal professionals and detainees.
