Statement from the TNC "The Treatment of Detainees and Prisoners"

The Treatment of Detainees and Prisoners

BENGHAZI, LIBYA – 25 March 2011 – The Interim Transitional National Council (TNC) expresses its deepest regret for the various false allegations relating to the treatment of prisoners and detainees, in breach of international humanitarian laws.

The TNC would like to reiterate that its policies strictly adhere to the ‘Geneva Convention relative to the treatment of Prisoners of War’ as well as with the ethical and moral values of the Libyan society. The council conveys its regret for some individual incidents that had occurred during the first few days of the revolution and guarantees that this would not be repeated. Clear codes of conduct have been issued from the National Interim council and include:

1. Any Libyan caught whether they be military personnel or citizens recruited to cause sabotage and spread chaos, should not be titled as ‘Prisoner’ but as a Libyan brother (or sister) who has been deceived.
2. All prisoners and detainees will be provided with food, water and necessary medical assistance and will be treated humanely, without the use of aggression in any form. The TNC will vow to punish those who violate this code and will allow local and international human rights organizations to freely visit and talk to the detainees and prisoners at any time.
3. Detainees and prisoners will be allowed to contact their relatives and arrangements will be made to allow them to return home without any restrictions or conditions.
4. The Transitional National Interim Council reaffirms its strict compliance with the above and calls on all Libyan citizens to strictly abide by these codes.

http://ntclibya.org/english/prisoners/