The United Kingdom (UK) imposed Thursday sanctions on Al-Kaniyat militia in Libya for atrocities it has committed in the country, especially in Tarhouna.
“The Libyan Al-Kaniyat militia oversaw a 5-year reign of terror until 2020, torturing and murdering innocent people,” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab wrote on Twitter.
“The UK has today imposed asset freezes and travel bans on the militia group and its two leaders. We will hold them accountable for these atrocities,” he added.
In an earlier statement, James Cleverly, minister of state for Middle East and North Africa, said the new sanctions send a clear message that those responsible for serious human rights violations or breaches of international humanitarian law in Libya will face consequences.
Cleverly added that Al-Kaniyat militia and its leaders, Mohamed Al-Kani and Abdul Rahim Al-Kani, oversaw a reign of terror in Tarhouna, Libya, which included enforced disappearances, torture, and the killing of civilians.
“The persistent climate of impunity in Libya must be addressed and justice provided for the victims.” Cleverly indicated.
