Libya: Violence against demonstrators by armed civilians groups leads to more than 50 dead

Following the arrest on Tuesday 15 February of a known human rights defender, Mr Fathi Tarbal, and a number of journalists, bloggers and human rights activists, peaceful demonstrations calling for an end to the government of Muammar al-Gaddafi, in power for 40 years, broke out in several cities. These were immediately crushed by heavy intervention by the security forces accompanied by civilians recruited and armed by the authorities.

Alkarama has sent several urgent appeals in the last days, and today sent to the Special Rapporteur on Summary Executions the names of 14 individuals confirmed dead as of last night, Thursday 17 February, though the total number of dead throughout the country was at about 50. This includes 14 dead in Benghazi, 4 in Darna, and other deaths in Al Baydaa and Jbaida, 170km west of Benghazi. Further deaths appear to have resulted from the continued crackdown this morning.

The violent crackdown is being carried out by forces from the local police, Interior Security, and civilians instructed and armed by the authorities with tear gas, batons and firearms. Alkarama has received a document from a confidential source which clearly outlines the instructions given to these civilians. It states that a meeting was held to coordinate the reaction of the "Popular Committees" to the planned demonstrations of 17 February 2011. It calls for each Committee to recruit 50 "loyal" youths outside of the security forces and 50 members of the Popular Committees to "participate in any security plan". This document makes it abundantly clear that the government is coordinating the use of civilians to participate in the repression of the demonstrations.

Alkarama has are also been informed that hospitals have been given orders not to accept protestors injured in this violence, leading to a number of deaths from lack of medical care.

The names of individuals confirmed dead, many as a result of the use of live ammunition, since the outbreak of protests on 15 February until 17 February 2011 are:

13 Killed in Benghazi (3 unidentified) and 40 to 50 injured

1. Ibrahim Mohamed Al Orfi (ابراهيم محمد العرفي), 19 years old
2. Naji Jumaa Jordane Al Kawafi (ناجي جمعة جردان الكوافي), 18 years old
3. Motaz Abdel Ati Al Darouqi (معتز عبدالعاطي الدروقي), 19 years old
4. Hamad Al Allam (حمد العلام), 27 years old
5. Faouzi Hussein Al Sabiri (فوزي حسين الصابري), 36 years old
6. Marwan Al Shattat (مروان الشطشاط), 20 years old
7. Mohamed Salem Boujnah (محمد سالم بوجناح), 21 years old
8. Idris Ali Raslan Al Maghribi (ادريس علي رسلان المغربي), 13 years old (bullet in the neck)
9. Rami Saleh Al Maghribi (رامي صالح المغربي), 18 years old
10. Moayed Fathi Boujlaoui (مؤيد فتحي بوجلاوي), 26 years old

4 Killed in Darna

1. Mohamed Abdeladim Al Saiti (محمد عبد العظيم السعيطي)
2. Aboubakr Fathi Al Tachani (ابوبكر فتحي الطشاني)
3. Ahmed Kamal Al Chahini (احمد كمال الشيهني)
4. Salem Abou Madi (سالم ابوماضي)

2 killed in Al Baydaa

1. Khaled Khanfeer (خالد خنفر)
2. Saad Al Yemeni (سعد اليمني)

Unfortunately, these numbers risk increasing today as the demonstrations and security forces crackdown continues.

Furthermore, the authorities have been restricting internet and telephone connections, making it very difficult for activists in Libya to inform the press and human rights NGOs of the what is happening.

Alkarama calls on the Libyan government to immediately cease the violent crackdown on its citizens peacefully expressing their opinions; to end the use of armed civilians as part of the security forces and to ensure that all those injured are given proper medical treatment.