Ali Alaspli
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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]
Ali Alaspli | |
|---|---|
علي العسبلي | |
Ali Alaspli at the United Nations Office at Geneva, 2024 | |
| Born | Ali Omar |
| Occupations | Human rights activist, researcher |
| Known for | Executive Director of Libya Crimes Watch (LCW); participation in United Nations Security Council and United Nations Human Rights Council sessions on Libya |
| Website | lcw |
Early life and activism
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
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
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
Recognition and affiliations
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
- "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]