NDI mourns the tragic death of Libyan activist Salwa Bughaigis, who was brutally murdered on June 25 in Benghazi after casting her ballot and encouraging other Libyans to participate in elections for a new legislature.

In February 2011 Bughaigis was an early and forceful voice advocating for a more democratic Libya. A prominent human rights lawyer who defended political prisoners under the Gaddafi regime, Bughaigis served on the National Transitional Council (NTC) and was active in promoting peaceful dialogue to overcome Libya's political divisions. She was a tireless advocate for women's engagement in Libya's transition process.