On 22 March, UNSMIL highlighted systematic violations by law enforcement and security forces targeting individuals for political affiliations, silencing opposition, and undermining the judiciary. It noted that arbitrary detentions have extended to legal professionals, lawmakers, and other prominent figures, with many denied due process, legal representation, or medical care. Recorded confessions of detainees have been shared online to intimidate and humiliate. UNSMIL warned that these practices erode the rule of law, foster fear, and obstruct Libya’s democratic transition, and called for accountability and unrestricted access to all detention facilities while renewing demands for the immediate release of arbitrarily detained individuals.
U.S. Special Envoy to Libya Ambassador Richard Norland also voiced growing concerns over arbitrary arrests and detentions in Libya. He urged the immediate release of all those detained unlawfully.
On 29 March, UNSMIL welcomed the ‘release of individuals, including some referred to in its recent statement on arbitrary arrests across Libya’ and stressed ‘that hundreds more languish in arbitrary detention throughout the country and calls for their immediate release’. It also expressed concern about the ‘enforced disappearance’ of al-Gomati and called on the authorities to investigate and disclose his whereabouts. The EU Delegation shared UNSMIL’s statement, welcoming the positive steps while expressing ‘deep concern’ over Muhammed al-Gomati.