A/HRC/17/44
“We went to peaceful demonstration [on 17 February] and were attacked by
security. Six were killed during the 30 minutes demonstration. I was hit … Children
are targeted in the face, without differentiating. Six people were hit in face on 17th
in Darnah … Snipers were on top of buildings shooting. Not a Katiba but people
from internal security, instructed to do so, to target people, no tear gas used, they
targeted us with live bullets.”
81.
Tobruk: The Commission collected information regarding the demonstration in
Ash-Shuhada Square (previously known as Al-Jamahiriya Square) in Tobruk which
triggered an intervention, according to witnesses, from joint Government security agencies,
including ISA, riot police, and revolutionary committees. Witnesses reported that several
security personnel were stationed on the roofs of nearby buildings and were firing at
demonstrators. The Commission has established that live ammunition was used, killing at
least four demonstrators and injuring 51 others.
82.
Al-Bayda: According to medical records provided to the Commission, at least 40
persons were killed during peaceful demonstrations between 16 and 19 February. On 16
February, members of Al-Bayda Internal Security Agency fired live ammunition at a
demonstration in Al-Salhi Square and the Commission has verified that several
demonstrators had been killed. On 17 February, according to information received by the
Commission from forensic and prosecutorial authorities, security forces of Khamis Katiba
were deployed in Al-Bayda where they shot at demonstrators without prior warning,
resulting in the deaths of 11 other demonstrators. Other witnesses spoke specifically of
actions of ISA and revolutionary committees in shooting at persons during demonstrations.
83.
On 18 February, at the demonstrations near Al-Abraq Airport69 (east of Al-Bayda
town), the Commission received information that 11 persons were killed by security
personnel of Khamis Katiba, including the Commander of Husein al-Jiwiki Katiba.
According to several sources, the Commander was shot as a result of his refusal to shot at
demonstrators. Witnesses noted that an 11-year-old child was shot in the head while sitting
inside a house close to the place of incident.
84.
Medical sources and forensic specialists in Al-Bayda mentioned that the vast
majority of those killed had been shot in the upper part of their bodies. They estimated that
80 per cent had been shot in the head and another 10 per cent had been shot in the chest,
neck, or mouth. According to the same sources, the vast majority of those killed were shot
with only one bullet.
85.
Misrata: The Commission received information relating to Misrata and
demonstrations held there between 19 and 22 February. The Commission heard evidence
that riot-control police shot live ammunition at demonstrators killing at least one person,
Khaled Abu Samah, on 19 February. On 20 February, following the funeral of Mr. Abu
Samah, thousands of people gathered on Tripoli Street, Misrata, to protest and met with
security forces again shooting live ammunition. In addition to the riot-control police,
members of the Baltajiyah70 were also said to be present and to have taken part in shooting
at demonstrators. The Commission has also been informed that AK47‟s and anti-aircraft
weapons were used against demonstrators. On 21 and 22 February, demonstrators attacked
revolutionary committee offices, police stations and military barracks, taking arms and
weapons from these locations.
69
70
26
The event is commonly known among Libyans as “Al-Abraq Airport battle”.
In describing these Baltajiyah, witnesses referred to armed young men acting as groups in a “ganglike” fashion to disrupt the demonstration.
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