The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has raised alarm over a series of arbitrary arrests and detentions across the country, emphasizing the need for adherence to legal procedures and respect for human rights.
On March 22, 2025, UNSMIL issued a statement highlighting concerns about the wave of arbitrary arrests by law enforcement and security actors in Libya. These actions have been used to target individuals based on alleged political affiliations, suppress dissent, and undermine judicial independence.
UNSMIL noted that such practices create a climate of fear, shrink civic space, and erode the rule of law. The mission specifically mentioned the violent arrest of Judge Ali Al Shareef in Tripoli on March 10, 2025, and the continued arbitrary detention of lawyer Mounir Al-Orfi in Benghazi since March 12, 2025, as indicative of increased threats against legal professionals.
As of March 2025, UNSMIL continues to monitor the situation and urges Libyan authorities to cease arbitrary arrests, release those unlawfully detained, and uphold the principles of due process and judicial independence.
For more detailed information, refer to the original statement: UNSMIL Alarmed by Wave of Arbitrary Arrests Across Libya
