Libyan Prime Minister, Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba affirmed that all citizens have the right to criticize the performance of the government, in accordance with the constitutional declaration and international charters.
In his publication No. 8 of 2021 on the occasion of International Press Day, Dbaiba added that it was strictly forbidden to target or harass journalists based on their opinions, or because of their affiliation with the profession of journalism.
Dbaiba stressed that the commitment to protect journalists from harm while performing their duties is among the government’s top priorities. He stated that it was also strictly prohibited to arrest or detain journalists inside any security headquarters.
The PM explained that the government pledged to guarantee the right of journalists, protect their sources of information, in accordance with the professional rules regulating the dealing with news sources.
He pointed out the need to work on restructuring the media institutions in Libya, to ensure the “distribution of participation in the administration and drawing the general policies of these institutions.” He noted that this will be achieved by “creating councils of trustees in media institutions to ensure a wider representation of professional unions and civil society organizations.”