The UN Support Mission in Libya has criticized the Deterrence Force guards for their assault of lawyer Abdullah Ali Farahat in the Tripoli Court last Monday.

"UNSMIL is concerned by the ongoing harassment, restrictions, and violence targeting lawyers, including the brutal 18 July beating of lawyer Abdullah Ali Farahat... by the Deterrence Apparatus for Combating Organized Crime and Terrorism’ (DACOT) guards."

The UNSMIL called for the protection of lawyers while performing their duties and said they have an essential role in the pursuit of justice, as it highlighted that in the past six months, three other lawyers have been assaulted and arbitrarily arrested and detained.

It called for a full, independent investigation into all attacks against members of the legal profession and for all perpetrators of violence to be held accountable.

Last Tuesday, Libya's Bar Association held an emergency meeting to condemn the assault of Lawyer Farahat and pledged to act in response.