On Monday, a number of organisations, activists, and members of Libyan civil society from across the country came together to assess the status of freedom in Libya.
They tackled the latest developments in regard to freedom of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful assembly and protest, and the right to form associations in Libya.
During the panel discussion, the speakers emphasised the “recurring risks and systematic repressive practices against journalists, bloggers, lawyers, and activists who are subject to increasing restrictions and escalating dangers including kidnapping and enforced disappearance, and arbitrary arrest.”
Numerous cases require urgent attention, as “many lives are in imminent danger.” These include the Tanweer and Tanarout cases, attacks against women, and especially journalists and activists who have been subjected to slander and smear campaigns.
Journalists are attacked and subject to arbitrary arrest and detention because of their work or opinions on specific issues, such as elections and corruption, and freedom of expression.
The attendees spoke about the security campaigns in the western region by the Internal Security Forces, and the General Intelligence Services to intimidate activists and journalists.
Attendees pointed out that there is a typical set of charges typically deployed against activists, including “treason, advocating atheism, and spreading homosexuality”.
Activists are then prosecuted under these charges, without any guarantee of their right to free belief or expression, or their right to a fair trial.
This has prompted many to stop their activities, or leave the country. The work of activists and advocates is further limited by restrictions on travel, as security clearance is required at the airport before traveling abroad.
Moreover, laws have been enacted to restrict freedoms and civil society activists, including the Anti-Cybercrime Law, ratified on 26 October, 2021; the Peaceful Demonstration Law, and the restrictions imposed by the civil society commissions against those who work on human rights issues.
Those restrictions criminalise working with, or dealing with international organisations, and require approval from Internal Security and Intelligence before seminars and workshops can be held.