EU demands that those responsible for torture in Libya be prosecuted
(B2) It took several days for the European Union to react to accusations of human rights violations made in particular by Doctors Without Borders in Misrata in Libya (their January 26 press release). She did so yesterday (January 31) through the High Representative of the EU – rather than through a communiqué from the 27, which would have been stronger, but seems impossible to achieve. A few words, a few sentences that balance between concerns — “ The EU is seriously concerned by reports of torture and ill-treatment of detainees in Misrata »… — and satisfaction to see the Libyan authorities take European requests into account — “ I am pleased that the Libyan authorities have announced today the adoption of measures intended to resolve many of the problems arising in this context,” explains Catherine Ashton, in the text released to the press. “I am confident that the Libyan government will quickly 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 accelerate the process aimed at placing 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. »
