Libyan militias kidnapped several protesters after opening fire on a demonstration in Tripoli against economic conditions and corruption, the country's government in Tripoli said on Thursday.
Amnesty International said least six protesters were abducted when armed men allied with the Government of National Accord fired live ammunition to disperse a demonstration in the capital on Sunday.
The GNA said an investigation had been opened after the militias, which it did not identify, abducted some of the protesters.
The Interior Ministry acknowledged that a Tripoli-allied militia fired live ammunition at peaceful protesters.
The protesters in Tripoli “did not obtain necessary permits" for the rally, GNA Prime Minister Fayez Al Sarraj said on Monday as demonstrations continued in the capital and western Libyan towns.
In a meeting with military and security officials on Wednesday, Mr Al Sarraj announced a 24-hour curfew lasting four days that he said was to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Protesters defied the curfew and took to the streets of Tripoli again late on Wednesday.
Militiamen opened fire again at Martyrs Square, the scene of Sunday’s attack, a protester told AP.
Amnesty said several protesters were wounded in the shooting on Sunday, which happened in an area under control of the Nawasi militia, which nominally operates under the GNA.
Amnesty said there were “strong indications that this militia was behind the attack” on the protesters.
Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty’s deputy regional director, criticised Mr Al Sarraj's government for not reining in "abusive, unaccountable militias and armed groups", instead “relying on them for security, law enforcement and fighting its rivals”.
Ms Eltahawy called for the immediate release of those abducted and an independent investigation.
The UN Support Mission in Libya on Sunday called for "those arrested to be handed over to relevant judicial institutions and for those who are arbitrarily detained to be released immediately".
The protests over poor living conditions, shortages of electricity and water and a lack of services began days after the GNA called for a halt to fighting between its forces and those allied to a rival administration in eastern Libya.
In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Al Sarraj also called for the demilitarisation of the central coastal city of Sirte, held by the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
An LNA spokesman on Sunday dismissed the ceasefire offer, saying warships sent by GNA ally Turkey were approaching Sirte to support an attack by Tripoli-allied militias, despite international condemnation of Ankara's interference.
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Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
