ICRC briefs Libyans on humanitarian law

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BENGHAZI, Libya, July 10 (UPI) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross announced it was holding a workshop in Libya to discuss laws related to the treatment of detainees.

The ICRC began its two-day workshop in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi this week. The 20 military prosecutors in attendance will be briefed on international laws related to detainees held in connection with last year's civil war.

Walid Soani, one of the prosecutors in attendance, said the ICRC was providing sound legal advice.

"We will discuss possible solutions to the challenges we are facing with regard to these detainees," he was quoted by the ICRC as saying.

The ICRC in June signed a memorandum with the Libyan military for training in international humanitarian law.

The Libyan government of late leader Moammar Gadhafi was accused of human rights abuses during last year's civil war. Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, the leader's son, and other members of the former regime are wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Fred Abrahams, a special adviser at Human Rights Watch, has said Libyan leaders need to address human rights concerns in the country.

"Torture and illegal detention are an ongoing national crisis that Libya's future leaders need to address," he said in a June statement.