UN denounces torture, arbitrary arrests in Libya

Simonovic attends a meeting in Abidjan. By Sia Kambou (AFP)

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The UN Security Council on Friday condemned what it said were arbitrary arrests and torture in Libya as it struggles with a transition to full democracy after the overthrow and death of Moamer Kadhafi.

In a statement approved by all 15 members, the council said thousands of people are being detained outside the authority of the state and without access to due process.

The council called for their release or transfer to detention centers under state authority. It also condemned what it said were cases of torture and mistreatment in illegal detention centers.

Council members "called upon the Libyan authorities to investigate all violations of human rights and bring the perpetrators of such acts to justice," the statement said.

They welcomed progress made by Libya under Prime Minister Ali Zeidan and urged the country to continue along that path and deliver "concrete results."

The council urged the international community to support Libya's efforts to "complete a successful transition to democracy."

Longtime despot Kadhafi was overthrown in an uprising in 2011 and later slain.