Libya: both sides accused of war crimes

Text by: Mathieu Galtier Follow

While the fighting is fading in the west, the government of Tripoli, recognized by the international community, has unearthed mass graves which it imputes to the forces of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, while the latter denounce mistreatment of the populations of the cities taken over.

Publicity

From our correspondent in Tunis,

Egyptian workers forced to balance on one foot, hands in the air, under threat of bullying. The video taken in the city of Tarhouna, 70 km south-east of Tripoli, goes around Libyan social networks. Behind these abuses, there is a brigade affiliated to the government of national unity (GNA) of Tripoli, which seized the city at the beginning of the month at the hands of Marshal Haftar .

On Tuesday, the UN called the GNA to account, which it officially recognizes. For the United Nations, this abuse amounts to acts of torture. Supporters of Khalifa Haftar also report looting and burning of houses in the city.

Over a hundred bodies in a mass grave

Opposite, Khalifa Haftar's forces are also accused of war crimes. Their video shows the exhumation of a mass grave in a vacant lot in Tarhouna. In total, more than a hundred bodies belonging to opponents of Haftar were reportedly buried discreetly.

Saying "  horrified  ", the UN mission in Libya immediately asked for an investigation. Tripoli fighters also widely disseminate images of mine-trapped apartments allegedly left by Haftar's army before retreating. On one of them, we see an explosive device taped to a teddy bear.

►Also read: Libya: tension mounts within NATO between France and Turkey

Newsletter Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

Follow all international news by downloading the RFI application

• Libya
• Khalifa Haftar
• UN

On the same subject

Libya: tension mounts within NATO between France and Turkey

Libya: showdown between Russia and Turkey

Algeria's diplomatic offensive on Libya file