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January 26, 2012

U.N.: Interim Libyan Govt Torturing Prisoners 
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The interim Libyan government is being accused of widespread torture in
the aftermath of the ouster of former leader Muammar Gaddafi. The U.N.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said investigators had
uncovered scores of cases of abuse in Libyan prisons.

Navi Pillay: "The ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross)
visited over 8,500 detainees in approximately 60 places of detention
between March and December 2011. The majority of detainees are accused
of being Gaddafi loyalist and include a large number of sub-saharan,
African nationals. The lack of oversight by the central authority
creates an environment conducive to torture and ill treatment. My staff
have received alarming reports that this is happening in places of
detention they have visited."



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