The delegation of the European Union (EU) and the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States in Libya said in a statement on Monday that they were gravely concerned about the circumstances of Libyan political activist Siraj Dughman’s death and strongly urged for a comprehensive, transparent, and independent investigation of the incident.
Dughman was arrested in October 2023 by the Internal Security Agency in Benghazi with a number of activists without any clear charges or accusations.
The reasons for the arrest, according to the former Interior Minister Ashour Shuwayel, were related to their discussion – in a Benghazi workshop – the collapse of Derna dams. The workshop was organized by the Center for Strategic and Future Studies.
Meanwhile, the EU delegation and the missions of its Member States in Libya extended their deepest condolences to the family of Dughman following his passing while in detention. They noted with concern that Dughman’s arrest, similar to those of numerous other civil society representatives and activists, citizens and foreigners, was not followed by any subsequent formal charges or court proceedings.
“The arbitrary arrests or detentions are starkly at odds with Libya’s own legal framework. We call for the immediate release of all individuals arbitrarily detained and reassert the importance of adherence to due process and the rule of law across Libya. We stand with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in calling for the cessation of abductions, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests or detentions throughout the country.” The statement added.
It also indicated that the EU and its Member States remained committed to supporting Libya on its journey toward stability and national reconciliation, emphasizing the necessity of legal and procedural reforms to prevent further injustices and pave the way toward a Libya in which all people can enjoy their rights.
