The National Institution For Human Rights in Libya (NIHRL) has condemned the arrest of activist Diya Al-Obaidi by Benghazi's Internal Security Agency over a Facebook post criticizing the lavish spending of public funds by the sons of Khalifa Haftar on TikTok celebrities.
In a statement released on Saturday, the institution described Al-Obaidi's detention as arbitrary and unlawful, calling it a "serious violation of freedom of expression, human rights, and citizenship." The activist was reportedly arrested on Thursday evening in downtown Benghazi and has since been held in custody.
NIHRL has called on the "General Command," the Hamad government, and its Internal Security Agency to release Al-Obaidi immediately and unconditionally, while ensuring his protection from any mistreatment.
Additionally, the group has urged authorities to launch a thorough and urgent investigation into the incident, hold those responsible accountable, and implement measures to prevent similar violations in the future.
The case has reignited concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression in eastern Libya, where critics of local authorities often face intimidation or detention.
