Two high-profile suspects linked to mass grave cases in Tarhuna have escaped custody during recent clashes in the capital, Tripoli, according to the Tarhuna Victims Association.
In a statement, the group identified the fugitives as Mohamed al-Tahli and Firas al-Muqari, both wanted in connection with dozens of alleged killings, torture, and enforced disappearances attributed to the now-disbanded Kaniyat militia.
The association criticised Libya’s ministries of defence and interior for what it described as a failure to implement security measures at detention facilities operated by the Stability Support Apparatus and the Internal Security Agency prior to the outbreak of violence.
It warned that the escape of individuals accused of grave crimes undermines efforts to hold national trials and damages public confidence in the judicial system.
The group has urged the interior ministry to prevent a recurrence, secure all detainees, and pursue the escapees along with other remaining members of the Kani militia.
It also appealed to Libya’s Supreme Judicial Council and the attorney general to cooperate with the International Criminal Court and expedite legal proceedings. The association further called for the extradition of additional suspects believed to be in Egypt.
