The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed deep concern over the arbitrary arrest and detention of popular journalist and government critic Ahmed Senussi on 11 July in Tripoli. UNSMIL called for his immediate release.
UNSMIL stated that stifling journalists’ reporting fosters a climate of fear and undermines Libya’s democratic transition.
A thriving civic space, where Libyans can engage in open and safe debate, exercising their right to freedom of expression, is essential.
UNSMIL urged all Libyan authorities to protect journalists and media workers.
Several NGOs also condemned Senussi’s arrest and called for his immediate release.
Crime Watch in Libya reported monitoring his arrest near his home on the airport road in Tripoli on 11 July.
He was taken by gunmen affiliated with the Tripoli-based Internal Security Service to their headquarters in the Al-Drebi neighborhood in central Tripoli.
