In reaction to the unauthenticated videos circulated on social media yesterday, UNSMIL issued a statement today saying it is ‘‘alarmed by the video circulating on social media purporting to show House of Representatives member, Ibrahim Al-Dersi detained, chained and with visible signs of torture. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues during this difficult time as they are subjected to this disturbing video’’.
There are conflicting views as to whether the video is an artificial intelligence fake or real documentation of a torture process.
The shocking video of Dersi stripped to his underwear and with a chain and lock around his neck, was published by a French website on Monday and has been widely circulated on Libyan social media in its unedited version.
UNSMIL said that it had ‘‘requested UN digital forensic experts to assess the authenticity of the video but also calls again on Libyan authorities to immediately initiate a fully independent investigation into the enforced disappearance of Mr Al-Dersi who has been missing since 16 May 2024, when he was abducted after attending a Libyan National Army parade in Benghazi. The Mission reiterates that it stands ready to support an independent investigation into the disappearance and allegations of torture.
UNSMIL condemns the widespread and systemic abuses in detention facilities by law enforcement and security actors in Benghazi, Tripoli, Sabha, and other locations across Libya, which have been documented by the Mission and other independent UN mechanisms. These abuses are further exacerbated by the impunity that continues for perpetrators of these crimes.
UNSMIL reminds all relevant authorities that arbitrary detentions, abductions, torture, enforced disappearances and deaths in custody are serious human rights violations and may constitute international crimes that can be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court. Libyan authorities must ensure these practices immediately cease and that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Mission also calls for a full and independent investigation of all alleged human rights violations in detention facilities and reiterates its call for the release of all individuals arbitrarily detained’’.
The Tripoli based Libyan government condemns
Meanwhile, the Tripoli based, and internationally recognised, Libyan government condemned what appeared in the leaked videos showing MP Ibrahim al-Dersi in degrading detention conditions, considering what happened a crime that requires urgent international investigation.
The statement denounced the silence of the Presidency of the House of Representatives towards the incident, considering that this is an abandonment of political and moral duty.
The Benghazi based Libyan Government
On the other hand, Internal Security Service of the Benghazi based Libyan Government, recognised by the Libyan House of Representatives but not recognised internationally, published a statement confirming that the leaked videos of MP Ibrahim Al-Dersi are completely fabricated through artificial intelligence.
The HoR
The House of Representatives condemned the leaked videos of MP Ibrahim Al-Dersi and called on the Attorney General and the security services to urgently intensify investigations into these leaks and confirm their validity and source
The HoR said it reaffirmed its full solidarity with his family and unlimited support in this crisis and that it will not give up the demand to reveal the fate of the MP and reveal the truth
It affirmed its strong dissatisfaction with the use of humanitarian issues such as kidnapping, torture and others by some parties in order to influence the peaceful political path to resolve the crisis in the country.
The Presidency Council
Finally, the Tripoli based Presidency Council, said ‘‘the photos attributed to MP Ibrahim al-Dersi, who forcibly disappeared a year ago, are not in line with any legal or humanitarian procedures.
The incident represents a serious violation of the dignity of the Libyan citizen and his elected representative, and raises a number of serious questions regarding the circumstances of his disappearance, place of detention and treatment.
We express our solidarity with the MP’s family, tribe, colleagues and all those affected by the practice that is contrary to the rule of law.
-We are concerned about the continued ambiguity surrounding the case, in the absence of tangible results from the competent authorities, leading to questioning the credibility of the viral video clip.
–These and other similar issues cannot afford further delay.
We stress the need to open a transparent, impartial and thorough investigation under the supervision of a joint impartial and honest international commission that ensures access to the full facts.
Anyone found to be involved in any acts that violate the law or undermine public confidence in state institutions must be held accountable.
We call on the Presidency of the House of Representatives to assume its legal and moral responsibilities in protecting members and their free will.
The competent authorities shall cooperate fully with any investigative mechanism adopted to ensure that there is no impunity and protect the human rights of all citizens without discrimination’’.
