The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Wednesday called for an immediate and “transparent and independent” investigation into the death of civil society activist Abdel Monem al-Marimi.
Al-Marimi died just days after his arrest by the Internal Security Agency in Tripoli. In a statement issued by its spokesperson, UNSMIL expressed “deep concern” following “credible” reports of arbitrary detention, torture, and severe human rights violations.
The UN organization urged Libyan authorities to “shed full light” on the circumstances of his death, in accordance with the country’s international commitments. Al-Marimi, 43, was a prominent figure in the citizens’ movement that emerged in western Libya in 2023. A vocal critic of the Government of National Unity (GNA) led by Abdelhamid Dbeibah, he frequently denounced corruption, security abuses, and the absence of an electoral process. He had been arrested multiple times without ever facing charges.
The official account from the Tripoli Prosecutor General’s Office states that the activist died after an accidental fall down a stairwell at the Fornaj detention center, shortly after being transferred by intelligence services. However, this explanation is disputed by NGOs, as no independent autopsy has been authorized, and CCTV footage has not been released publicly.
Human Rights Watch considers this case a “litmus test” for the GNA’s credibility. Hanan Salah, senior researcher on North Africa, stated, “Without a credible investigation, impunity will become the norm in Libya”.
Diplomatic concerns have been voiced on social media by ambassadors from countries including Germany and the United Kingdom. The European Union, from Brussels, has called for an independent judicial process, free from any security pressure.
Against a backdrop of political deadlock stemming from the lack of a consensual electoral calendar, this incident highlights authoritarian excesses by certain security institutions in Tripolitania. It comes as inter-Libyan talks in Geneva aim to rekindle political momentum.
MK/te/Sf/fss/abj/APA