Mass Grave Discovered in Libya Holds 1,270 Bodies

Remains of inmates who were killed by Qaddafi regine ub 1996 discovered by rebel authorities.

Libyan rebel authorities have discovered what they say is a massive grave in Tripoli containing remains of 1,270 people, according to the Associated Press.

The bodies, found near Tripoli’s Abu Salim Prison, reportedly belong to inmates who were killed by members of Col. Muammar Qaddafi’s regime on June 26, 1996, after protesting inhumane conditions at the prison.

Abu Salim Prison, which has been called "Qaddafi's Abu Ghraib," has long been the focus of organizations like Human Rights Watch, which according to The Atlantic said many families of the prisoners murdered in 1996 didn't know of their deaths until 2002. The prison was reportedly liberated by rebels August 25, who freed prisoners including an American freelance journalist, Matthew VanDyke.

Dr. Ibrahim Abu Sahima, who is working with a committee to identify victims of the former regime, made the announcement. Dr. Sahima said the discovery was made two weeks ago by rebels, with the help of captured regime officials and others with knowledge of the mass grave. Officials plan to ask for international help in identifying the bodies.

By Ben Johnson
The Slatest

Tweet

Read more...