Death penalty in Libya

MEPs expressed outrage at the recent execution of 18 foreigners in Libya during a human rights debate on 17 June.

The people were convicted of murder, and executed by firing squad at the end of May.

However human rights activists said they feared they had not had a fair trial.

During the debate in the European Parliament, British Conservative MEP Charles Tannock said the recent events "made a mockery" of Libya's recent elevation to the UN Human Rights Council.

This sentiment was echoed by Dutch MEP Marietje Schaake, who compared it with Iran's previous elevation to the Women's Rights Council.