The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Libya has issued a joint statement with the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States in Libya expressing deep concern about the reported abduction of Ibrahim Al-Dressi: an elected member of the House of Representatives.
The EU’s statement urged the competent authorities to swiftly investigate the circumstances of this disappearance and ensure the immediate release of Al-Dressi, condemning all forms of arbitrary detention throughout Libya, including those perpetrated on political grounds.
“The rule of law and justice must prevail and a thorough and transparent investigation of all past and current disappearances is necessary and urgent. Those responsible need to be held to account based on the law.” The statement reads.
The EU delegation has joined UNSMIL in reminding Libyan authorities of their obligation to respect fundamental freedoms and uphold human rights and the rule of law.
Lawmaker’s Whereabouts are Unclear
The member of the House of Representatives (HoR) Ibrahim Al-Dressi has been announced missing – more likely to have forcefully disappeared according to news coming from Benghazi: eastern Libya.
The disappearance of Al-Dressi made its way to social media, where lots of activists said there were rumors that he was killed and his car was found roadside in Sidi Faraj area in Benghazi – just when Khalifa Haftar was leading a citywide ceremony to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Al-Karama Operation (Operation Dignity).
Responding to the rumored death of Al-Dressi, the Interior Ministry that is designated by the HoR denied in a statement that he was killed and said it was investigating his disappearance following a storming of his house.
The Prime Minister of the HoR-designated government Osama Hammad said that it had instructed all security and investigation units in Benghazi to double their efforts and find the whereabouts of Al-Dressi.
Not a First
Benghazi has seen a number of similar disappearances over the last years, especially of lawmakers, like Siham Sirgewa who was kidnapped from her home in Benghazi in 2019 for criticizing Haftar’s forces. Her whereabouts are still unknown to date – with many sources saying she was killed from the first day of the kidnapping.
