Libyan rebel fighters are allegedly abusing dark-skinned Libyans and migrant black African workers, ignoring calls for restraint from the National Transitional Council.

Black Libyans and African migrants have been targeted by Libyan rebel fighters who even have a special unit for the purpose. The ‘Brigade for Purging Slaves, black skin’ have torched the homes of residents of Tawergha, whilst black African migrants are rounded up in Tripoli and thrown into prison, suspected of being mercenaries in the employ of Gaddafi. Reports from the Wall Street Journal and Black Star News drew attention to the abuse dark and black skinned people were suffering in Libya, several months ago. The issue was rarely raised in the mainstream media. It would have conflicted with the image of Nato supported rebels fighting a noble cause if it was widely reported they were committing human rights abuses which were meant to be the preserve of the Gaddafi regime. Black Star News reports on the media silence, writing

“Rather than concede that the side they supported in civil war is carrying out war crimes they would rather suppress the story.” It adds “The White House has yet to issue a single statement condemning this ethnic cleansing of Black people.”