Public outcry grows after Libyan journalist kidnapped for exposing government corruption

Early Thursday afternoon, the family of Libyan economic journalist Ahmed Al-Sanussi reported his kidnapping in front of his home in Tripoli.

They urged security authorities to disclose his whereabouts and appealed to activists and media professionals to support Ahmed and advocate for his release. Within hours, informed sources confirmed that the Internal Security Agency (ISA) in Tripoli, led by Lotfi Al-Harari, was responsible for his arrest.

In early July, ISA officers in Tripoli pressured and intimidated journalists at the “Sada” news platform, which is owned and edited by Al-Sanussi. Recently, Al-Sanussi appeared in a widely circulated video on social media, explaining that the ISA's crackdown on his team was due to the website's publication of documents exposing alleged corruption within the Ministry of Economy and Trade of the Government of National Unity (GNU), implicating Minister Mohamed Al-Hweij.

The fight against corruption in Libya

In the video posted on July 6, Al-Sanussi says that "for eight years, Sada has played a crucial role in uncovering government corruption. However, the current pressure from the ISA, instigated by the Minister of Economy, is unprecedented." He adds that he personally contacted the Minister of Economy, who reportedly demanded that Al-Sanussi reveal the identity of his sources. Al-Sanussi emphasized that he would never disclose his sources, adhering to journalistic ethics.

Over the past decade, Ahmed Al-Sanussi has gained prominence as a capable economic journalist with a knack for uncovering corruption and public fund mismanagement, despite the risks associated with such reporting in Libya. In addition to his work with "Sada" Economic website, he hosts a popular TV program called "Flusna" (Our Money) on Al-Wasat TV.

Sources close to Al-Sanussi revealed that he was in Tunis when the ISA began targeting his team in Tripoli. Despite being aware of the dangers to his person, Al-Sanussi returned to Tripoli on Wednesday evening to confront the ISA, stand by his reporting, and ensure the safety of his staff. Hours after his return, he was unlawfully arrested by armed men who did not disclose their identity, where he was being taken, or on what charges.

Libyan social media users condemn government crackdown on media

Since news of Al-Sanussi's disappearance, social media has been flooded with widespread support from users all over the country, condemning his abduction without clear charges and denouncing the attempt to silence and intimidate the media.

Two media institutions affiliated with Al-Sanussi (the "Sada" Economic website and "Tabadul" Digital News Channel) have held the Presidential Council, the Government of National Unity, and its Minister of Economy fully accountable for the physical safety of Al-Sanussi. In a press statement, both institutions expressed their strong protest and condemnation of Al-Sanussi's arbitrary kidnapping due to his work in exposing corruption.

Libya's ongoing struggle for press freedom

Libya ranked 143rd out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, reflecting the dire state of freedom of expression in a country plagued by political division, lack of peaceful power transfer, and the excessive use of power by armed groups and security agencies empowered by successive governments to protect their interests.

Over the past two years, the ISA has led a broad campaign against civil society activists and local and international NGOs, detaining dozens arbitrarily and without clear charges. The agency has also imposed security measures contrary to Libyan laws, such as discriminatory travel restrictions for women who traveled alone or without a male relative.

The abduction of Ahmed Al-Sanussi marks a troubling escalation in Libya's ongoing struggle for press freedom, civic rights and governmental transparency. His kidnapping by the ISA underscores the severe risks faced by journalists who dare to expose corruption and hold those in power accountable.

Al-Sanussi's case is emblematic of the broader crackdown on civil society and media within the country, highlighting the ISA's increasing impunity and the dangerous environment for free expression.

The swift and widespread public outcry over Al-Sanussi's disappearance reflects a deep-seated frustration among Libyans with the government's persistent corruption and the heavy-handed tactics used to silence dissent.

The international community, along with local activists and media professionals, must continue to pressure Libyan authorities to uphold Al-Sanussi's basic human rights, including the right to safety and the right to a lawyer, and to respect legal protections against arbitrary detention.

In the broader context, Al-Sanussi's kidnapping could serve as a catalyst for renewed civic engagement and advocacy for press freedom in Libya. The solidarity shown by the public and media institutions in response to his abduction demonstrates the potential for collective action to challenge oppressive practices.

The fate of journalists like Ahmed Al-Sanussi will be a barometer for what's to come in Libya.