Libyan Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said that “correctional and rehabilitation institutions are largely under the control of militias,” noting that each institution is affiliated with a certain faction.
During his meeting with new members of the Public Prosecution on Wednesday, Al-Sour said that “the agencies responsible for gathering evidence have become ineffective, unable, or too intimidated to act, because the cases involve influential parties or individuals affiliated with parallel bodies or armed groups.”
He also pointed out that the prosecution is struggling with the non-enforcement of many judicial rulings issued against thousands of defendants, adding that the Attorney General’s Office in Tripoli has registered 56,000 convicts whose sentences have not been executed.
Al-Sour revealed that the prosecution has found many members of security agencies to have criminal convictions, though he noted the situation has improved.
"We have succeeded in establishing a deterrence system and delivering a clear message that crimes do not expire with time. No matter how long it takes, even those convicted 15 years ago but never imprisoned will now be jailed.” He said.
However, Al-Sour said that more than 18,000 rulings have been enforced, adding, “These rulings had not been enforced even before 2011, prior to the February Revolution.”
He acknowledged the difficulty in arresting convicts due to deteriorating security conditions and the presence of armed groups, but added, “We are resorting to alternative mechanisms, such as freezing salaries and civil status records as per court rulings. As a result, they are now turning themselves in voluntarily. This shows the judiciary is capable, and the Public Prosecution now commands respect because we have established the necessary deterrence.”