The arbitrary detention of a prominent activist by the Internal Security Agency (ISA) and his subsequent death after being interrogated by the Attorney General in Tripoli has sparked anger and controversy in the capital this week.
On 30 June, Abdulmonem al-Marimi, a prominent civil society activist, was arrested by ISA in the city of Surman. Initially, it was not clear if he was seized by official security forces or abducted by a rogue militia or criminal group.
On 1 July, the Arab Organization for Human Rights in Libya expressed deep concern about the disappearance of al-Marimi.
On 3 July, the Attorney General’s Office issued a statement about Abdulmonem al-Marimi. It said it had received evidence from ISA implicating al-Marimi. Following his interrogation, the investigator ordered al-Marami’s release. While waiting for his family to arrive, al-Marimi proceeded toward the exit and jumped through a gap between the staircases to the ground floor, sustaining injuries that required immediate hospitalization. He was rushed to the nearby al-Khalil hospital at Zawiya Street. At the al-Khalil hospital he underwent surgery to stop the internal bleeding.
In the course of the subsequent investigation of the incident, the Attorney General’s Office said it reviewed CCTV footage, visited the hospital to assess his condition, and took statements from witnesses present at the scene. Furthermore, an investigation was launched into the circumstances surrounding Al-Marimi’s abduction or arrest, including the legality of his detention, the conditions under which he was held, and how he was treated during that period.
On 4 July late in the evening, al-Marimi passed away at the hospital. A forensic examination of the deceased’s body was conducted to determine the cause of death and to identify previous injuries caused by violence or the presence of intoxicants, toxic substances or drugs during the period from 30 June until before the fall on 3 July.
UNSMIL said it was deeply saddened by al-Marimi’s death and called for an urgent investigation into his arbitrary detention, allegations of torture during his detention, and circumstances surrounding his death. Human rights groups also demanded a thorough investigation into the abduction and arrest of al-Marimi by the ISA, as well as the physical and psychological torture he allegedly endured, which may have led to his suicide attempt. They hold PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba and the Internal Security Agency fully accountable.
On 5 July, widespread protests broke out in Tripoli, Zawiyya and several other western cities after the controversial death of al-Marimi. Smaller groups of demonstrators blocked several major roads with burning tires, blaming the Government of National Unity (GNU) and PM Dabaiba for his death. A group of protesters gathered also outside the Attorney General’s Office, demanding an independent investigation and legal action. So far, the government has not officially responded.
The Social Council of Souq al-Jouma strongly condemned the killing of activist al-Marimi, calling it a heinous act meant to silence dissent and intimidate the public. They held the government’s security forces fully responsible for his arrest, detention, and tragic death, describing the crime as part of a broader pattern of repression. The council vowed to continue peaceful resistance despite threats, while urging authorities to bring all those involved to justice.
On 6 July, the Attorney General’s office released a statement about the preliminary results of the investigation and a video from the incident, showing al-Marimi in apparently good health before and after the interrogation at the Attorney General’s Office. At the end of the 8:52 minute video, al-Marimi walked alone from the restroom towards the staircase and jumped through the gap towards the ground floor, hitting on the hard-surfaced floor head first. People chasing him arrived too late and were unable to prevent his jump. In the last sequence, al-Marimi is carried away.
The ISA confirmed the arrest of Abdulmonem al-Marimi, stating that he was detained following an official investigation that began in late May 2025. The Agency emphasized that all procedures, including questioning, detention, and referral to the Attorney General’s Office, were carried out in accordance with the law, particularly Article 26 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Agency firmly denied circulating rumours of mistreatment, asserting that al-Marimi was treated with dignity and remained in good mental and physical condition at the time of his handover to the prosecution on 3 July at 8 a.m. The ISA stated that due to the nature of its work specific details and charges could not be disclosed.
On 6 July in the afternoon, the body of al-Marimi was brought to Zawiyya´s Martyr´s Square. The funeral was held immediately after the afternoon prayer. Hundreds of mourners attended. There were no incidents.