UN CALLS FOR RELEASE OF ABDUCTED POLITICAL ACTIVIST IN LIBYA

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said on Wednesday it was
deeply concerned by reports of the recent abduction of a political activist
whose whereabouts remain unknown.

Al-Moatassim Al-Areebi, 29, was abducted on Monday in the north-western
city of Misrata, located roughly 187 kilometres east of the capital;Tripoli.

UNSMIL, in a statement, reiterated the call by members of the Misrata
Municipal Council and community representatives urging the city’s security
and law enforcement agencies to urgently investigate his abduction.

It also asked the law enforcement agencies to disclose the activist’s
whereabouts, and secure his safe and immediate release.

The Mission has documented cases of at least 60 individuals who are
currently detained across Libya for their actual or perceived political
affiliation.

“The Mission calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all people
who are arbitrarily detained, and accountability for those who are
responsible for those arbitrary detentions,” the statement said.

Reports of arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, ill-treatment,
torture, and deaths in custody committed with impunity continue to plague
Libya.

These unlawful practices have created a climate of fear, shrinking civic
space, and eroding the rule of law.

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