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By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 27 June 2014:
The government has issued a statement bitterly condemning the assassination of human rights lawyer Salwa . . .[restrict]Bugaighis.
Praising as a symbol “for the struggling, patient, and outspoken Libyan women”, it said she would be counted among the revolution’s martyrs.
Expressing sincere condolences to Bugaighis’s family and to all Libyan people, the government vowed to bring the killers to justice.
Stating that the fight against terrorism could no longer be ignored, the government said it had presented an anti-terrorism law to the General National Congress (GNC) with the hope that it would be approved as soon as possible.
Meanwhile an official at the Attorney General’s office said that the Attorney General, Abdulqader Radwan, had already ordered an immediate investigation into “this heinous crime” so that the perpetrators could be arrested and punished.
He added that the general lawlessness and weakness of the police was enabling criminals to evade justice by sheltering with militias, but was sure that justice would eventually triumph.
The European Union has also issued a statement saying that it was “shocked and saddened” by the assassination of “our friend Ms Salwa Bugaighis”.
Describing her as a “tireless defender of the rights of the women of Libya” and an “important figure of the 17th of February revolution that toppled the former regime and brought democracy to Libya”, the EU office said her murder was a loss to everyone supporting the growth of freedom and democracy in the country.
“This cowardly act shows a total disregard for the value of human life and for the principles of democratic dialogue. The current wave of assassinations and aggressions against journalists, human rights activists, officials and political figures is jeopardizing Libya’s transition to democracy, especially in the East of the country.??We were impressed by Ms Bugaighis’ energy, enthusiasm and clarity of mind. Her death is a loss for everyone who supports Libya’s democratic process. Ms Bugaighis leaves behind a legacy of hope that Libyans will one day live in a peaceful country where arguments are settled through dialogue and not by weapons and assassinations.
“We trust that the Libyan authorities will bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.??In this moment of mourning, we call upon all Libyans to stand firm in their path to democracy, freedom and peace.” [/restrict]
