Islamic State commits atrocities in Libya city, rights group says

CAIRO — A leading international rights group on Wednesday released a report documenting atrocities by Libya’s Islamic State affiliate — including instances of “crucifixions” and shooting a man to death for “cursing God” — in the coastal city of Sirte, a stronghold of the militants.

Human Rights Watch recounts “scenes of horror” that followed the city’s seizure by Islamic State militants in February 2015, with beheadings of dozens of residents accused of being spies or sorcerers.

Men were flogged for acts such as smoking or listening to music, and fathers were ordered to “marry off their daughters” to the group’s fighters as Islamic State spread a wave of terror among the townspeople.