The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has voiced its concern over the detention of journalist Ahmed Sanussi, calling for his immediate release.
Sanussi, the general manager of online channel Tabadul and presenter of the economic and social affairs program “Flousna” on Wasat TV, was reportedly arrested on July 11th.
UNSMIL expressed alarm at the “arbitrary arrest and detention” of Sanussi, highlighting the importance of media worker safety.
The mission emphasized that stifling journalists’ ability to report freely fosters fear and hinders Libya’s democratic progress.
Sanussi’s case isn’t an isolated incident. In a recent briefing to the U.N. Security Council, Stephanie Koury, U.N. deputy representative, voiced concern about recurring reports of abductions, arbitrary arrests, and detentions across Libya.
This development comes amidst ongoing political turmoil in the oil-rich nation.
Libya has grappled with chaos since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, and the recent detention of a prominent journalist raises questions about the safety of press freedom in the fragile democracy.
