Journalist Muhammad Al-Sarit was arrested in Benghazi, and demands for his release

by times news cr

The Libyan Crime Monitoring ⁣Organization condemned​ the arbitrary arrest of journalist‌ Mohammed Al-Sareit, a Libyan affairs ⁣analyst for the New York⁤ Times, by gunmen who‌ it said were “affiliated with‍ the Internal Security Service ⁤in Benghazi.”

A Rasd organization ​statement said that Al-Sarait was⁤ arrested from a café ⁣in the center of Benghazi and‍ was taken to⁤ an unknown location, and contact​ with him has⁢ been cut‌ off since then. It ⁣noted​ that Al-Sarait published a ⁣blog⁢ post on ⁣his personal Facebook account one day before his arrest in which ⁢he criticized ⁣the seizure of private ⁤property⁣ and the demolition‍ of homes. Before the Reconstruction‌ Committee of the House of Representatives.

The​ organization holds the‍ authorities in⁢ eastern Libya fully legally responsible for the safety ⁤of⁢ journalist‍ Muhammad Al-Sareet, demanding the immediate ​disclosure of his​ fate‌ and his unconditional release.

The organization stressed the need for the ⁢authorities in eastern Libya to respect the right to freedom of opinion and expression, ensure a safe environment for journalistic work, ​and provide legal ⁣protection for journalists to perform their work without restrictions or threats.

The‌ organization called on the ⁢Attorney General to open an independent‍ and transparent investigation into⁤ the ongoing ⁤violations against‍ journalists, and to ensure that ⁤those responsible are held ⁣accountable in accordance with‍ international⁣ fair trial standards.

Al-Sarait had written a post on ‍his Facebook account​ in which he criticized the exposure of his ‌uncles’ house in the Galiana area in Benghazi to “bombing⁢ and destruction.”

Al-Sarait said ⁣in his account that ‌he is​ not against reconstruction, “but seizing property without appropriate⁣ material and ⁣moral compensation‌ and preventing them from making claims is very unfortunate and‌ an indication ‍of a return to backwardness.”

Source: ‍Libya Crime Monitoring ​Foundation


Interview between Time.news Editor ⁢and Media‍ Freedom Expert

Time.news ⁢Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where‍ we delve into⁣ pressing issues shaping​ our world. ‌Today, ⁢we’re looking ⁣at the troubling situation​ involving the arrest of journalist Mohammed‍ Al-Sareit in Libya. ⁤Joining us is Dr. Sarah‌ Mansour,⁣ a media freedom expert and senior researcher at the International Press Institute. Thanks for being with us,⁣ Dr. Mansour.

Dr. ​Sarah Mansour: ⁤Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for press freedom in regions like ​Libya, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss ⁣it.

Editor: Al-Sareit’s recent arrest⁣ has drawn condemnation from groups like the Libyan Crime Monitoring Organization. Can you provide some context on the significance⁢ of this incident?

Dr. Mansour: Absolutely. Al-Sareit’s case is ‍emblematic⁣ of the broader challenges faced ⁣by journalists in Libya. His arbitrary arrest, particularly by individuals allegedly linked to the Internal Security Service, underscores a disturbing trend where‍ authorities suppress dissenting voices. Journalists are essential for promoting transparency ⁤and ⁤accountability, and when⁤ they ⁢are silenced, it erodes‌ public trust and democratic‍ processes.

Editor: It⁤ was reported that Al-Sareit was taken from a café in ⁣Benghazi and has ⁤not been heard ‌from since. ⁣Why is this method of arrest particularly alarming?

Dr. Mansour: Such arrests ‌are alarming because they signify a chilling atmosphere ⁤for freedom​ of expression. They instill fear‌ not just in the targeted individual but ‍in ⁤the broader journalistic community. ‌When journalists are taken in‍ broad daylight—especially ‍in public spaces—it sends a message that ⁣anyone, even those who​ are merely expressing their views online, is at risk⁣ of similar treatment.

Editor: Just a day before his arrest, Al-Sareit ⁢had written a critical post about the seizure of private property. How might‍ his commentary have played a role in his arrest?

Dr. Mansour: Criticism ⁤of governmental ⁢actions or public policies can be particularly dangerous in environments where freedom of speech is restricted. His blog post may have been perceived as ‍a threat ‌to those in power. Authoritarian regimes are often hypersensitive to any form of ​dissent, and Al-Sareit’s commentary might‌ have crossed a line in⁣ their view, leading to his⁣ arbitrary detention ‌as a means of silencing criticism.

Editor: How does the international community typically respond to such incidents, and do you⁣ believe there is an impact?

Dr. Mansour: The international community‌ often responds through diplomatic ‍channels or public​ statements condemning such actions. While these responses may not lead to immediate changes on the ground, they bring international scrutiny that can⁣ sometimes ⁣foster pressure for the release of detained journalists. However, the effectiveness of these responses can vary significantly, especially in repressive regimes.​ On‍ the other hand, ⁣sustained attention can sometimes lead to gradual improvements in press freedom over time.

Editor: What can citizens and fellow journalists do to support journalists like Al-Sareit during such​ crises?

Dr. Mansour: Solidarity ⁤is crucial. Citizens can amplify calls for justice by ⁣using social media platforms to raise ‌awareness and demand ⁢accountability. Journalists worldwide ⁢can also show support by⁤ publishing statements or⁤ conducting⁢ awareness ​campaigns about the risks faced ‍by their peers in Libya. This ⁣kind of collective action keeps the pressures on authorities and helps ensure that these individuals are not forgotten.

Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mansour, for shedding light ⁢on this ⁣vital issue. The situation ‍for journalists in Libya serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of press freedom. We hope for the safe⁣ return of ⁢Mohammed Al-Sareit and⁣ for a future⁢ where journalists can operate without fear of persecution.

Dr. Mansour: Thank you for addressing this ​important topic. The plight of⁤ journalists affects us all, and it’s essential to keep the dialogue ‍going.

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