Release of trafficking ringleader stirs up debate in Libya

Mustafa Kamel

News about the release from prison of Abdurrahman Milad, one of the most notorious human traffickers in Libya, has stirred up debates across the North African state, given the enormity of the crimes he had committed.

Milad was declared a wanted figure by International Police (Interpol), four months after he was arrested and put in jail in Libyan capital Tripoli.

However, the Libyan prosecution set him free a few days ago.

Locals in the western Libyan city of Zawiya celebrated his release and clearing of the crimes he had committed in the past.

An Italian legislator revealed recently that some Italian journalists were given a tough time by Italian police merely for uncovering some of Milad’s crimes.

Milad was subjected to sanctions by the United Nations Security Council.

Chief trafficker

Milad was the coast guard commander in Zawiya. In 2017, United Nations experts accused him and others of involvement in the sinking of boats carrying migrants in the Mediterranean.

The same man was accused of setting up a detention center for the migrants in Zawiya. He was also accused of smuggling fuel.

In June 2018, the Security Council released a report in which it accused Milad of leading a human trafficking ring and involvement in the torture of migrants, along with other human rights abuses.

Around 20,000 migrants died as they tried to cross the Mediterranean into Europe since 2014, according to the International Organization for Migration.

The Security Council said Milad and others were involved in sinking migrants’ boats, using gunfire.

Milad denied, however, these charges. He said traffickers wore clothes similar to the uniform of the Libyan coast guards.