Libyan activists kidnapping sparks calls for investigation
The Arab Organization for Human Rights in Libya is calling for an investigation into the “deliberate kidnapping” of activist Abdelmonem Al-Marimi on June 30th, according to Libya Review.
Al-Marimi is a prominent civil society activist, and held a significant and visible role in the recent protests in Tripoli against the Government of Nation Unity (GNU), directly calling for their removal.
The Arab Organization for Human Rights made a statement explaining that in the city of Surman on June 30th, Al-Marimi was forcibly removed from his vehicle after having received threats over the phone.
His young children were also in the vehicle, but were left behind.
The organization is calling for investigation from Libyan authorities, the Public Prosecutors Office, to ensure someone or some group is held accountable. They also appealed publicly for Al-Marimi’s release.
According to Libya Review, the disappearance has alarmed civil rights groups, as has the rise of kidnappings and violence from armed groups across the country.
As well as activists, humanitarian workers and civilians are being targeted and kidnapped.
Reported on May 18th, the Prime Minister of Libya urged the armed factions across the nation to get behind and align with national institutions and move away from corruption, but this did not lead to a ceasefire.
The human rights organization’s statement read that “Libya is currently experiencing a state of lawlessness and chaos, driven by the unchecked operations of armed groups who tighten their grip on the country.”
Maghrebi reported on June 26th on the serious risk of violence in Tripoli rising due to the lack of a ceasefire agreement.
The armed groups in Tripoli are not the only risk to anti-government protesters and activists. The UN has raised alarm over the arbitrary arrests made by the government in Tripoli targeting people based on political affiliations, despite having backed the western government consistently in the past.
Libya Review/Maghrebi
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