Vigil in Misrata after discovery of mass grave

Tripoli, 17 May 2013:

Civil society organisations in Misrata held a vigil this evening for those who died during the revolution, following . . .[restrict]the discovery of a mass grave in Tawergha this week.

Those who attended the vigil stressed the need to hold people who committed crimes during the revolution accountable, according to Libyan news agency LANA. The adoption of transitional justice, to establish the rule of law and fully-functioning legal institutions, should be accelerated, they said.

Three graves were discovered at the site, containing up to 25 bodies. The Ministry of Martyrs and Missing People said that initial findings showed that some of the corpses wore either civilian or military uniforms and some were handcuffed.

It is not yet known whether the dead were rebels, Qaddafi’s troops or civilians. However, the town council of Tawergha, in exile, has said that the bodies are victims of a NATO airstrike and have demanded a neutral investigation. [/restrict]