UN Calls for Immediate Release of Libya-based Journalist Ahmed Sanussi

The United Nations mission in Libya urges the immediate release of journalist Ahmed Sanussi, who was detained in Tripoli. Sanussi is a key figure in media, focusing on economic and social issues. The UN mission emphasizes that detaining journalists undermines Libya's democratic transition.

The United Nations mission in Libya (UNSMIL) urged on Saturday for the immediate release of a journalist detained in Tripoli two days ago, stressing the need for the safety of all media workers. UNSMIL expressed concern over the arbitrary arrest and detention of journalist Ahmed Sanussi on July 11.

Sanussi, who is the general manager of the internet channel Tabadul and presenter of 'Flousna' ('Our Money'), a program on Tunisia-based Wasat TV channel, focuses on economic and social issues. His verified Facebook page confirms this.

'Stifling journalists’ reporting fosters a climate of fear and undermines the environment needed for Libya’s democratic transition,' the mission stated. Since the fall of long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed 2011 uprising, oil-rich Libya has been mired in chaos.

During a mid-June briefing to the U.N. Security Council, U.N. deputy representative Stephanie Koury expressed concerns over reports of violations across the country, particularly the recurrent abduction or arbitrary arrest and detention of Libyans.