Libya: Existence of the Green Revolutionary Guard; origin, composition and activities; whether this organisation is involved in kidnappings and torture; possible threats against returned asylum seekers by the Revolutionary Guard or other groups
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 8 August 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | LBY39648.E |
| Reference | 1 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Libya: Existence of the Green Revolutionary Guard; origin, composition and activities; whether this organisation is involved in kidnappings and torture; possible threats against returned asylum seekers by the Revolutionary Guard or other groups , 8 August 2002, LBY39648.E , available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3f7d4dc223.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a professor of political science at the University of Texas in San Antonio, the Revolutionary Guard has several divisions and factions, of varying names, including the Green Revolutionary Guard (7 Aug. 2002). The Revolutionary Guard was created by Kadhafi in 1969, at the time of the coup, but the Guard grew in size and relevance in the late 1970's (ibid.). The professor stated that the Guard is "constantly" implicated in kidnappings, disappearances and incidents of torture against any element which poses a threat to Kadhafi, the regime, or the tribe in power (ibid.). The professor explained that security forces in Libya are composed of layers upon layers of overlapping groups vying for power and prestige, but that all, including the Revolutionary Guard, would "definitely" pose a threat to individuals returning to Libya after seeking political asylum abroad (ibid.).
Amnesty International's Annual Report 2001: Libya stated that, since the suspension of sanctions against Libya in 1999, "refugees and asylum-seekers were at increasing risk of being forcibly returned to Libya. Some of those forcibly returned were detained and there were reports that some had been the victims of serious human rights violations, including torture" (2001).
An Associated Press article on Kadhafi's 30 years in power refers to members of the Green Revolutionary Guard chanting during a military parade in July 1999 (9 July 1999).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Amnesty International (AI). 2001. Annual Report 2001: Libya. Associated Press (AP). 9 July 1999. Donna Abu-Nasr. "Gadhafi Marks 30 Years in Power." Professor of political science, University of Texas, San Antonio. 7 August 2002. Telephone interview.
Additional Sources Consulted
IRB databases
Jane's Intelligence Review
NEXIS
Internet sites including:
All Africa.com
Amnesty International
Human Rights Watch (HRW)
International Defense Review
Libya Online
Libya Our Home
Milnet.com
World News Connection (WNC)