Mohammed Bayou, head of the Libyan Media Corporation, sharply criticized a statement by the UN Support Mission in Libya regarding recent executions carried out by the military court under the General Command. Bayou recalled crimes committed by terrorist groups against Libyans and questioned the silence of the UN and human rights organizations during those events. He emphasized that “retribution is life.”
In a post on his personal Facebook page, Bayou described a “dark time” experienced in Benghazi, Derna, Sirte, Brak al-Shati, Ajdabiya, and Quba. According to him, “terrorists’ knives slaughtered innocents” in these cities. He cited examples such as the hanging of civilians’ bodies at the Zaafran Gate in Sirte, makeshift courts without law or judges or attorneys, attacks against army, police, and security officers with incendiary devices, and the killing of women from the al-Harir family by terrorist bombs.
Bayou also mentioned people like Boutheib and Ashmawy, along with armed militants from several countries who, he said, took over Derna and “turned it into a living hell and a refuge for destruction.”
He stressed that these difficult times would not have ended without “Operation Dignity,” praising its leader, heroes, and martyrs. Bayou called for remembrance of those events and vigilance to prevent their recurrence, declaring, “Our fingers remain on the trigger so these days do not return.”
Bayou then addressed direct questions to the UN Mission and Amnesty International: “Where was the UN Support Mission? Where was Amnesty International?” He criticized what he called “phony human rights shops.” He also attacked media figures he labeled as “liars shouting today,” questioning their positions during the crimes he recalled.
Previously, the UN Support Mission in Libya expressed “deep concern” over the reported execution of more than 30 people in eastern Libya in recent weeks. It called on authorities to halt any further executions immediately. The Mission said it had held intensive talks with officials at political and technical levels, urging a suspension of executions and a thorough, credible review in line with Libya’s human rights commitments. The Mission expressed regret that executions had continued despite these efforts.
It urged eastern Libyan authorities to work with its human rights team to review procedures and ensure fair trial standards and due process, while recognizing the rights of victims and their families. The Mission cited a statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from August 26, noting that the executions had ended a de facto fifteen-year moratorium. It warned that resuming executions raises human rights concerns.
The Mission acknowledged Libya’s responsibility to protect citizens and ensure accountability for terrorism and serious crimes. It also recognized the suffering of victims and families seeking justice, and said it remained willing to cooperate with the authorities.
In closing his response, Bayou sent a harsh message to his critics: “Be silent, shameless ones, for retribution is life.” He added: “This is God’s command, in which people of understanding believe.”