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.