The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemned the arrest of the Head of the Government of National Accord’s Media Office, Mohammed Baio.
“UNSMIL deplores the recent unlawful arrest of the Head of the Libyan Media Office, Mr Mohammed Omar Baio. The Mission calls for his immediate, and unconditional release,” it said in a statement.
UNSMIL warned that this latest round of “arbitrary arrests” highlights the personal risks that Libyan journalists are taking. The UN wants to promote the right to freedom of expression in Libya.
The Mission called for the need to respect the rule of law and reiterated that media freedom is critical to Libya’s democratic transition. “The right to freedom of expression, and the protection of journalists and media workers must be guaranteed,” it said.
Baio was arrested on 20 October by armed forces. The Attorney General denied submitting an arrest warrant for Baio.