Libyan Human Rights Chief Flees after Death Threats

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Hassan El Amin, the head of Libya’s parliamentary human rights committee, has fled the country after receiving death threats from militia members. El Amin recently criticized the militias’ unchecked power and legal violations, and he told The Washington Times, “The whole country is full of armed men, many of them are hanging onto their guns because they still feel the revolution is not safe.” He added, “I cannot carry out my job under these circumstances … The balance of power belongs to the militias and hooligans on the streets.” Additionally, Libyan intelligence officials have reportedly demanded that Egypt hand over nearly 90 Qadhafi-era individuals.

Meanwhile, analyst Jason Pack and former Libyan PM Mustapha Abushagur write, “Putting [Libya's] current situation in its proper historical perspective provides both scope for patience and realistic assumptions about future progress,” suggesting that by “strengthening the hands of the moderates and getting the cranes moving [on essential rebuilding projects], Western governments and business can play an essential role.” Furthermore, “To win back popular trust, the [GNC] should commit itself to a rigid timeline for the rest of its term and the constitutional assembly elections.” Additionally, Tim Marshall highlights some of the remaining human rights challenges that still plague Libya, especially the mistreatment of black Tawerghan Libyans and “severely curtailed” media freedom.