On 23 March, Osama al-Rajhi, deputy mayor of the Tripoli Central municipality, was detained, probably by members of the Internal Security Agency (ISA). Days before, al-Rajhi announced his candidacy for the next municipal elections.
On 27 March, human rights activist and political blogger Hussam al-Gomati reported the kidnapping of his 44-year old brother Muhammed Salem al-Gomati, an oil engineer with no political ties, from his home in Tajoura, east of Tripoli, on 24 March. Hussam al-Gomati revealed that his brother was arrested under unclear circumstances. Muhammed’s home was raided by armed men travelling in black Toyota vehicles. Muhammed, who is not involved in politics and suffers from a chronic illness, was detained despite his condition. His electronic devices were searched, allegedly due to his connection to Hussam. Hussam condemned the act, stating that this act was intended to intimidate him but vowed to continue his activism against corruption and armed groups in Libya. He emphasized his commitment to his cause, even in the face of threats to his family.
On 27 March, the lawyer Muhammed al-Toumi al-Warfalli was kidnapped from his office in Tripoli by the Public Security Agency, which is led by Abdullah Trabelsi aka al-Farawila. Al-Toumi is a member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly. He was released a couple of hours later.
On 29 March, the Presidential Council (PC) announced the release of Hassan Jaballah, a Tarhuna House of Representatives (HoR) Member, after over two years of detention.
On 30 March, Libyan journalist Ashraf al-Sharif was kidnapped by unidentified armed men outside his home in Tripoli – Bin Ashour. The assailants, driving two unmarked civilian cars, took him to an unknown location. His recent work included hosting a Ramadan TV program, addressing issues like witchcraft and sorcery on the Salam satellite channel. Al-Sharif was released later in the evening and returned to his family.
On 31 March, Hussam al-Gomati said his brother was still being detained by forces affiliated with the PC and Government of National Unity (GNU), saying he therefore holds PC head Muhammed al-Menfi and GNU PM Abdel Hameed Dabaiba ‘fully legally and politically responsible for the abduction’ of his brother.
Many Libyan actors have condemned this flurry of arrests. HoR member Ali al-Takbali commented on the detention of Muhammed al-Gomati, stressing that those who resort to kidnapping relatives of their political opponents do not deserve respect or to sit with those who claim to respect and implement the law.
On 27 March, Libya Crime Watch (LCW) stated that it holds the PC and the Libyan Intelligence Service (LIS) responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of Muhammed al-Gomati. LCW has demanded his immediate and unconditional release and called for an end to intimidation and retaliation targeting activists and their families. The organization urged the Attorney General to conduct an urgent and transparent investigation, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure justice is served.
On 28 March, the National Consensus Bloc of the High State Council strongly condemned the rise in kidnappings, intimidation, and enforced disappearances in Tripoli, calling for the unconditional release of the kidnapped and for perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The National Institution for Human Rights criticized the arbitrary detention of al-Gomati by armed groups linked to the Libyan Intelligence Service, deeming it illegal and a severe violation of human rights. The institution expressed concerns over the broader escalation in human rights violations, including the targeting of legal professionals, human rights defenders, and journalists by authorities. It called for the immediate release of those detained, adherence to legal procedures, accountability for crimes, and an end to impunity for such violations, which undermine the rule of law and justice in Libya.