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Ali Alaspli
علي العسبلي
Ali Alaspli at the United Nations Office at Geneva, 2024
Born
Ali Omar
OccupationsHuman rights activist, researcher
Known forExecutive Director of Libya Crimes Watch (LCW); participation in United Nations Security Council and United Nations Human Rights Council sessions on Libya
Websitelcw.ngo

Ali Alaspli (Arabic: علي العسبلي; also known as Ali Omar (Arabic: علي عمر)) is a Libyan human rights activist and researcher based in the United Kingdom. He serves as the Executive Director of Libya Crimes Watch (LCW), a non-governmental organisation registered in the UK that documents human rights violations and serious crimes in Libya. His work focuses on accountability, justice, and the protection of victims of armed conflict.[1][2]

Early life and activism

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Alaspli became active in human rights advocacy in eastern Libya during the post-2011 conflict period. In March 2016, local media reported that he had been abducted and detained for his public criticism of armed groups and local authorities.[3] He was released in July 2016 after 120 days in detention.[4] In a later blog post published by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), he described the experience in the context of enforced disappearances in Libya.[5]

Libya Crimes Watch

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In 2019, Alaspli founded Libya Crimes Watch (LCW), an independent human rights organisation that documents grave violations and advocates for justice for victims.[6] LCW’s findings have been cited in reports by Amnesty International, the United States Department of State, and The Sentry.[7][8] The organisation has also contributed information to United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya and the United Nations Human Rights Council.[9]

International engagement

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Alaspli has represented LCW in international forums, including a United Nations Security Council session on 16 December 2024, during which he briefed member states on the human rights situation in Libya.[1][2][10] He has also delivered oral statements during the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (September 2025)[11] and at the Universal Periodic Review pre-session on Libya (August 2025).[12]

His commentary and analysis have been cited in outlets and specialised platforms such as Justice Info, the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, and OCCRP.[13][14][15]

Views

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In interviews and writings, Alaspli has discussed restrictions on freedom of expression and the challenges facing civil society in Libya.[16] He has also written opinion pieces addressing Libya’s political developments and regional issues such as Palestine.[17]

Recognition and affiliations

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Alaspli is a member of the OMCT General Assembly.[18] In 2024, he received the Overseas Writing Contest award from the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ).[19]

Selected works

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  • "Libya: Call for justice for enforced disappearance victims" – OMCT Blog (30 August 2023).[5]
  • "Libya: International investigation is needed to identify those responsible for the Derna disaster" – OMCT Blog (12 October 2023).[20]
  • "Libya: Escalation of internet shutdowns and erosion of digital freedom" – OMCT Blog (8 November 2023).[21]
  • "How the international community can help Libya's political deadlock — local civil society actors" – Atlantic Council (18 May 2023).[22]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Official Records of the Security Council – 9815th meeting, The situation in Libya". United Nations. 16 December 2024.
  2. ^ a b "The situation in Libya – UN Security Council, 9815th meeting (video)". UN WebTV. 16 December 2024.
  3. ^ "Kidnapping of media activist Ali Alaspli in Marj" (in Arabic). Alwasat. 28 March 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2025. أفادت مصادر محلية بمدينة المرج باختطاف الناشط الإعلامي علي العسبلي من قبل مجموعة مسلحة واقتياده إلى جهة غير معلومة.
  4. ^ "Alaspli recounts 120 days in Qarnada prison" (in Arabic). Alwasat. 15 August 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2025. العسبلي يروي لـ«الوسط» وقائع 120 يومًا من الاعتقال في سجن قرنادة.
  5. ^ a b "Libya: Call for justice for enforced disappearance victims". OMCT. 30 August 2023.
  6. ^ "LCW delivers a briefing to the United Nations Security Council". Libya Crimes Watch. 17 December 2024.
  7. ^ "Libya: "In seconds everything changed" – Human rights impact of Storm Daniel". Amnesty International. 2024.
  8. ^ "Corruption Threatens Libya's Derna Again" (PDF). The Sentry. December 2024.
  9. ^ "Report of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya (A/HRC/52/83)". United Nations. 20 March 2023.
  10. ^ "Briefing: The situation in Libya – Swiss statement". Swiss Mission to the UN. 16 December 2024.
  11. ^ "Libya Crimes Watch delivers an oral statement at HRC60". CIHRS Alerts. 10 September 2025.
  12. ^ "Oral statement – UPR Pre-Session on Libya (Delivered by Ali Omar)" (PDF). UPR Info. August 2025.
  13. ^ "The ICC in Libya's quagmire". Justice Info. 16 June 2025.
  14. ^ "Libya Accountability Updates: Expert insight from ASP22". Coalition for the ICC. 21 March 2024.
  15. ^ "Libyan smuggling ring busted: migrants tortured, killed; bodies found in mass graves". OCCRP. 17 February 2025.
  16. ^ "Ali Alaspli: Freedom of expression is still treated as a crime in Libya" (in Arabic). Alwasat. 16 December 2024.
  17. ^ "The Palestinian cause and Libyan politics" (in Arabic). Alwasat. 14 January 2025.
  18. ^ "Governance – OMCT". OMCT.
  19. ^ "ICTJ announces the winners of the 'Overseas' Writing Contest". ICTJ. 25 January 2024.
  20. ^ "Libya: International investigation is needed to identify those responsible for the Derna disaster". OMCT. 12 October 2023.
  21. ^ "Libya: Escalation of internet shutdowns and erosion of digital freedom". OMCT. 8 November 2023.
  22. ^ "How the international community can help Libya's political deadlock — local civil society actors". Atlantic Council. 18 May 2023.
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