46 years-old lawyer Hanan Al-Barasi, a Libyan activist was shot dead in her car by unknown gunmen in 20 Street in Benghazi, according to a statement by authorities in eastern Libya.
US Embassy in Libya
The Embassy of the United States in Libya expressed Tuesday its total shock and deep concern over the killing of a Libyan lawyer, Hanan Al-Barasi in Benghazi.
The Embassy said in a brief statement that silencing the voices of peaceful activists should not be tolerated and we reiterate our strong commitment to allowing all Libyans, including women and youth, to have a voice in their country’s future.
The Embassy urged the Libyan authorities to investigate thoroughly this dreadful murder and bring all those responsible to face justice.
Germany’s ambassador to Libya:
Similarly, Germany’s ambassador to Libya, Oliver Owcza, condemned the killing and stressed that “perpetrators must be held accountable”.
“Shocked and appalled by today’s cowardly murder of Hanan El Barasi in an open street in Benghazi,” the German ambassador tweeted.
“Our thoughts are with her family & friends. Perpetrators must be held accountable. Strong voices like hers working for a peaceful future of Libya will keep guiding our cooperation!”
Amnesty International:
Amnesty International stated that the Libyan lawyer, Hanan Al-Barasi was assassinated merely one day after announcing her firm intention to publish a video regarding Saddam Haftar’s corruption.
In a statement, Amnesty condemned the assassination of Al-Barasi, saying that she had firmly and consistently criticized a number of known individuals associated with armed groups in the east of the country.
It added that Al-Barasi had received numerous threats, which included ‘death threats’ to both herself and her daughter, due to her outspoken criticisms.