Libya: Doctors and nurses kidnapped by pro-Kaddafi forces

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On 4 April 2011, Alkarama sent the UN special procedures the cases of seven medical-practioners kidnapped in Libya by pro-Kaddafi forces during March 2011. The doctors and nurses were providing medical assistance and humanitarian aid in war-torn Libya.

The details of those arrested and kidnapped are as follows:

Suhil Sami Al-Atrach, is a 32-year-old Libyan anesthetist at Al Jae Hospital in Benghazi. He was kidnapped on 6 March 2011 by pro-Kaddafi forces at Ras Lanuf Hospital.

Idriss Al Nasharah
Idriss Al-Nacharah

Idriss Ahmed Abdallah Al-Nacharah, is a 53-year-old Libyan cardiologist and father of four. He was arrested on 16 March 2011 by pro-Kaddafi forces while providing humanitarian assistance to victims injured in clashes in Ajdabya. He was arrested after Ajdabya Hospital was bombed by pro-Kaddafi forces.

Redah Al-Mezakri is a vascular specialist holding both Libyan and American nationalities, who current lives in the USA. He was arrested on 16 March 2011 alongside Idriss Al-Nacharah.

Ahmed Al-Warfali is a Libyan trauma doctor. He was arrested by pro-Kaddafi forces near Ras Lanuf hospital while traveling in an ambulance.

Ahmed Ramadan Al-Gheryani, a 27-year-old volunteer nurse from Al-Mare, was arrested alongside Ahmed Al-Warfali.

Salem Ben Katou, a volunteer nurse, was arrested alongside Ahmed Al-Warfali and Ahmed Al-Gheryani.

Dr Ali Jem'a Al-Barak, is a Libyan otolaryngologist who was working at the Al-Hawari Al-Tebbi Hospital in Benghazi before clashes broke out. Dr Al-Barak was arrested in Kumainess city, 30 km from Benghazi, on 18 March 2011 by pro-Kaddafi forces while riding in an ambulance.

The kidnapping of the seven medical officials is in direct violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Since news of their whereabouts is yet to be heard, Alkarama fears that they are at high risk of torture, possibly death, considering the severity of the human rights violations committed by Libyan authorities in context of recent violent events.

Alkarama request that the Libyan authorities immediately release these seven men, as well as any other people detained or disappeared during the recent events in Libya.

The Libyan authorities are obliged to respect the absolute right to life of all those detained and to refrain from any torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of those in their custody.


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Libya - HR Instruments

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
ICCPR: Ratified on 15.05.1970
Last report due: 01.10.2002 (4th)
Submitted: 06.12.2005 (4th)
Next report due: 30.10.2010 (5th)
ICCPR Optional Protocol: Accession on 16.05.1989
Alkarama submitted a "Follow-Up" report to the ICCPR on 30.10.2008

Convention against Torture (CAT)
CAT : Accession on 16.05.1989
Last report due: 14.06.1998 (3rd)
Submitted: 02.09.1998 (3rd)
Next report due: 14.06.2002 (4th) and 14.06.2006 (5th)

CAT Complaints Procedures
Art. 20 (Confidential inquiry): Yes
Art. 21 (Inter-State complaints): No
Art. 22 (Individual communications): No

CAT Optional Protocol
Not a signatory

Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
Last review: N/A
Next review: December 2010

National Human Rights Institution (NHRI)
Gadaffi International Foundation for Charity Association (GIFCA)

ICC Accreditation Status: N/A