UNSMIL said in a statement on Wednesday that it was deeply concerned by reports of the abduction in Misrata on 8 July of 29-year-old political activist Al-Mutassim Al-Araibi, saying he had been abducted by unidentified armed men in civilian clothes along with Mohammed Shtewi.
"While Shtewi was released after being beaten, the whereabouts of Al-Araibi remain unknown.” The statement reads.
UNSMIL reiterates the call made by members of the Misrata Municipal Council and community representatives urging the city's security and law enforcement agencies to urgently investigate the abduction of Al-Araibi, disclose his whereabouts, and secure his safe and immediate release." UNSMIL added.
UNSMIL said it had documented cases of at least 60 individuals currently detained across the country for their actual or perceived political affiliation. The actual number of individuals detained for peacefully expressing their political views may be much higher.
"Reports of arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, ill-treatment, torture, and deaths in custody committed with impunity continue to plague Libya. These unlawful practices have created a climate of fear, shrinking civic space, and eroding the rule of law. UNSMIL calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained individuals and accountability for those responsible." The statement adds.
