By Sami Zaptia.
London, 16 October 2020:
UNSMIL yesterday welcomed Wednesday’s arrest of Abd Al-Rahman Milad, commonly known as ‘al-Bija’ (Bidja) by law enforcement agencies aligned to the internationally recognized Libyan government based in Tripoli.
UNSMIL stated that Milad has been on the UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee list since June 2018 for his involvement in human trafficking and fuel smuggling. He was also subject to a special bulletin of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and an arrest warrant issued in April 2019 by the Tripoli Public Prosecution Office on charges of human trafficking and fuel smuggling.
UNSMIL said such arrests constitute an important step towards ensuring justice for thousands of vulnerable people, Libyans and migrants alike, and promoting respect for human rights in Libya.
It stressed the imperative for a fair, transparent and speedy trial for Milad and all individuals currently held in pre-trial detention, and added that it is committed to continued partnership with Libyan competent authorities to ensure due process and the supremacy of the rule of law.
