UNSMIL called for the immediate release of Mr. Mahdi Abdelati, a political activist who was reportedly arbitrarily detained in Misrata on 18 March by the Internal Security Agency.
In its statement released yesterday, UNSMIL said this arrest and detention appears to violate Libyan law and Libya’s international human rights obligations. This detention is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a widespread pattern within the country’s security and law enforcement agencies, it added.
It is essential, UNSMIL continued, that Libya’s leaders and officials strengthen civic space so that all Libyans, including those expressing dissenting views, can engage in debate and dialogue safely and exercise their right to freedom of expression.
UNSMIL urged all Libyan authorities to end these arbitrary practices, release all those arbitrarily detained, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
