Amnesty calls on Libya to uncover ambiguous killing crimes

Amnesty International called on the Libyan authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two political prisoners during their detention, the former ambassadors to Senegal and Chad, Mohammad Ali Bakoush and Al-Wafi Nbiyya.

Nbiyya was convicted on charges regarding an army rebellion in 1993, but no judgement was issued against him till 1997.

Stories told about his killing have been contradictory, some saying he died in his prison in Tripoli and others saying his death took place in a city.

On the other hand, Libyan opposition sources said Nbiyya was sentenced to death in a "public quarter" in southeast Tripoli, in Bani Walid town during July, while a group of his tribe were evacuated to southern Libya and some houses owned by the executed people were demolished. Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gaddafi has called for their execution.

Mohammad Ali Bakoush, who Amnesty international said "was in detention since February 1989 without being charged or tried," died in his prison.