Authorites in Libya dismantle human trafficking network
By Ibrahim Umar,
Kanempress News,
1st, September,2024
Authorites in Libya have dismantled a human trafficking network operating in the country’s southwest and arrested members of the group.
This is according to the country’s Attorney General’s office on its Facebook page on Saturday.
Authorities arrested one of the network’s leaders and 10 members, who are accused of illegal detention, torture and rape of migrants and murder.
The investigation documented violations affecting 1,300 migrants, with cases of forced detention, torture, and extortion for their release.
Libya descended into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising in 2011, which led to the overthrow and killing of leader Muammar Gaddafi, with two competing governments backed by militias scrambling for control of the country.
Islamic State militants also gained a foothold in the North African state.
People smugglers operating with impunity in Libya have sent hundreds of thousands of migrants by sea to Europe, mainly Italy, since 2014.
Thousands have died during the voyages.
