LIBYA. HRW URGES LIBYA TO IMPROVE HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD

Human Rights Watch released a rare report on the situation in Libya, acknowledging that some steps had been taken towards improving freedoms but saying there was little political will to reform.
In its 85-page report compiled after a three-week visit to Libya in spring 2005, the New York-based watchdog described Libya as a "country undergoing gradual change after years of strict repression and global isolation".
But the report also stressed that "scores of individuals are in prison for peacefully expressing criticism of the government or alternative political views".
The offenders are generally charged with violating Law 71, which bans political activity opposing the principles of the 1969 revolution in which Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi took power.
"On some issues such as torture and the use of the death penalty, the government has stated its commitment to reform," HRW said.