Libyan authorities dismantle human trafficking network in southwest

Libyan authorities have succeeded in dismantling a human trafficking network operating in the southwest of the country. According to the Attorney General's Office, the crackdown led to the arrest of a leader and ten other members implicated in heinous crimes including murder, illegal detention, torture and rape of migrants.

The investigation has documented serious violations of the law affecting around 1,300 migrants, including forced detention, torture and extortion in exchange for release. The network has taken advantage of the ongoing chaos in Libya, which has been in turmoil since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011 that led to the overthrow and death of leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Human traffickers have taken advantage of the unstable situation in Libya and have smuggled hundreds of thousands of migrants by sea to Europe, mainly Italy, since 2014. Tragically, thousands have died attempting the dangerous journey.

(With contributions from agencies.)