Human Rights Watch warns 50 detainees face imminent execution in eastern Libya

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned that at least 50 detainees face imminent execution at Gernada military prison in eastern Libya, after forces led by Khalifa Haftar reportedly executed at least 31 people following military trials that the organisation described as seriously unfair.

In a statement dated 14^th October, the rights organization said the Libyan Arab Armed Forces had carried out the executions since late August 2026, raising concerns about further death sentences being implemented.

According to HRW, the executions were the first known instances of capital punishment in Libya since 2010, ending a de facto moratorium on executions that had lasted approximately 15 years.

The organisation called on authorities in eastern Libya to immediately suspend the implementation of death sentences and establish a comprehensive moratorium on executions.

HRW reported that a military prosecutor affiliated with Haftar’s forces announced on 23^rd August that ten individuals had been executed by firing squad following convictions for murder and terrorism-related offenses.

Human rights organisations subsequently documented at least 31 executions by 10^th September, according to HRW.

The organisation warned that additional detainees remained at risk of execution, particularly those held at Gernada military prison, and raised concerns about the fairness of the military judicial proceedings that resulted in the death sentences.