Libya: dozens executed, many more at imminent risk

At least 50 men sentenced to death in eastern Libya face an imminent risk of execution. The Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF), the de facto authorities in the region, have resumed executions for the first time in Libya since 2010.

Since August 23, 2026, the LAAF have executed at least 30 people who received death sentences after grossly unfair and secretive trials before military courts. Torture also reportedly tainted several of these trials.

Some of those executed or at risk of execution were convicted of murder and terrorism-related offences linked to the armed conflict between the LAAF and opposing armed groups between 2014 and 2018.

Several people reported that LAAF-affiliated armed groups tortured them after their arrest. They said the groups used torture to extract “confessions”. Authorities then used these “confessions” as evidence against them.