EU delegation to Libya welcomes detainees’ release, urges action on arbitrary disappearances

The European Union Delegation to Libya has expressed approval following the release of a group of detainees by Libyan judicial authorities, hailing the move as a step towards strengthening the rule of law and human rights in the country. In a statement, the mission also voiced concern over troubling reports of arbitrary disappearances, particularly the case of Mohamed El-Gamaty, the brother of activist Hossam El-Gamaty, who remains missing.

The EU urged Libyan authorities to immediately investigate these cases and ensure the safe return of the disappeared individuals to their families. This call aligns with the recent statement from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, which emphasised the need to put an end to arbitrary detention and disappearances, stressing the importance of respecting human rights in line with international standards.

Mohamed Menfi, head of Libya’s Presidential Council, had announced on Friday that an initiative had led to the release of Hassan Jaballah Al-Farjani, a member of the House of Representatives from Tarhuna, who had been detained for over a year at Mitiga Prison in Tripoli.