Libya
Libya does not have dedicated counterterrorism legislation. The Criminal Code punishes certain acts deemed to be of terrorism, with the mandatory death penalty the maximum sentence. This includes the promotion of violent extremism.
The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law
Libyan law does not define terrorism as such but the Criminal Code represses a number of acts deemed terrorist, such as the following:
Anyone who circulates within the country, by any means, any views or principles that aim to alter fundamental constitutional principles, or the fundamental structures of the social order, or to overthrow the political, social, or economic order of the State, or to destroy the fundamental structures of the social order, by the use of force, terror or any other unlawful means, shall be punished by death.Art. 207, Criminal Code of Libya.
Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties
Libya is a State Party to all of the main United Nations treaties on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons | State Party |
| 1979 Hostage-Taking Convention | State Party |
| 1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention | State Party |
| 1999 Terrorist Financing Convention | State Party |
| 2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention | State Party |
Libya is also a State Party to the main regional treaties on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1999 Algiers Convention | State Party |
| 2004 Protocol to the Algiers Convention | State Party |
Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences
The mandatory death penalty is prescribed for terrorism under the Criminal Code as well as for a further range of offences that may be considered terrorist in nature.
For offences that carry a penalty of imprisonment, terrorism is one of a number of aggravating circumstances:
The penalty prescribed by the three preceding articles shall be increased by no more than one half, if the force or threats are used by means of arms, a masked person, a number of persons assembled, an unsigned or unmarked letter, or by terrorism issuing from secret associations, whether real or fake.Article 249, Criminal Code of Libya.
Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level
The Libyan National Army is seeking to counter a very widespread threat from terrorism across the country.
Glossary
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