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AI visited Libya in January and February 2012. Its researched focused in and around Tripoli, al-Zawiya, the Nafoussa Mountains, Misrata, Sirte and Benghazi.
They visited 11 detention centers in central and western Libya under insurgent gangs control. In at least 10, detainees were tortured and mistreated. AI interviewed them, those released, facility administrators, doctors and other hospital staff, relatives of people killed in custody, militia members, and NTC officials.
Exact numbers of detainees held and mistreated aren't known. However, thousands remain imprisoned. ICRC representatives said they "visited over 8,500 detainees in about 60 places of detention." Most were held in and around Tripoli and Misrata.
In February, NTC stooges held another 2,400. Nearly all current and former detainees AI interviewed said warrants didn't authorize their arrests. They were extrajudicial and arbitrary. Self-appointed "judicial committees" function ad hoc. Defense lawyers aren't present. Coercion, including torture and other severe treatment, force unjustified self-incrimination.
Many detainees said they were held at multiple locations. Some were secret. AI witnessed insurgents beating and threatening them, including some whose release were ordered.
One man said he was forced to lie on his back, hands and feet tied to the frame. "In this position, (he) was beaten with fists on (his) face. Then they beat me with a plastic hose on my feet.""Later, I had to turn around face-down and was tied to the bed. In that position, I was beaten again with a hose on my back and on the head. I was also subjected to electric shocks to various parts of my body including my left arm and chest."
Others described similar experiences. Medical reports confirmed them. Since September 2011, AI confirmed at least 12 detainee deaths. Forensic evidence showed extreme abuse. NTC officials knew and do nothing, even when family members filed complaints.
Last September, they promised "to bring any armed groups under official authorities and (to) fully investigate any incidents brought to (their) attention."
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