EU demands that those responsible for torture in Libya be prosecuted

(B2) It took several days for the European Union to react to the accusations of human rights violations made in particular by Médecins sans frontières in Misrata in Libya (their January 26 press release). She did so yesterday (January 31) through the EU's High Representative - rather than through a statement from the 27, which would have been stronger, but seems unattainable. A few words, a few sentences that sway between concern — “ The EU is deeply concerned by reports that detainees are being tortured and ill-treated in Misrata "... — and the satisfaction of seeing the Libyan authorities take European demands into account — " I am pleased that the Libyan authorities have announced today the adoption of measures aimed at addressing many of the problems that arise in this context,” explains Catherine Ashton, in the text released to the press. “I am confident that the Libyan government will swiftly implement these measures to ensure the protection of this very vulnerable group of people. The EU stands ready to provide assistance to the Libyan authorities to support their efforts to uphold human rights, democratic values ​​and the rule of law ". The European demand can be summarized in three points: (1) “ It is essential that the rights of all those detained in Libya are fully respected in accordance with international standards”; (2) “that the authorities speed up the process aimed at bringing all places of detention under their control”; (3) “that allegations of violations of the rights of detainees be the subject of a thorough, impartial and effective investigation. Those responsible for violations should be brought to justice. »