By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The United Nations through its mission in Libya has called on authorities to ensure the safety of all media workers in the country amidst clampdown.
The United Nations mission in Libya (UNSMIL) also wants the immediate release of a TV presenter, Ahmed Sanussi, who was detained in Tripoli two days ago.
UNSMIL said it was concerned by “the arbitrary arrest and detention of journalist Ahmed Sanussi on 11 July”.
Sanussi is also the general manager of internet channel Tabadul and anchor of “Flousna” (“Our Money”), a TV programme on the Tunisia-based Wasat TV channel.
Heritage Times HT reports that Sanussi’s channel and programme mainly focus on economic and social issues.
“Stifling journalists’ reporting fosters a climate of fear and undermines the environment needed for Libya’s democratic transition,” the mission said.
Oil-rich Libya plunged into chaos following the toppling of long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.
In a briefing to the U.N. security council in mid-June, U.N. deputy representative Stephanie Koury said she was concerned “by the reports of violations throughout the country, particularly the repetitive pattern of abduction or arbitrary arrest and detention of Libyans.”
Heritage Times HT reports that Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has repeatedly called for end to violation of press freedom in Africa.
It has started creating a network of lawyers who will offer legal assistance to journalists in West Africa in the event of their arrest.
Ten lawyers gathered by RSF have undertaken to provide legal assistance and defend journalists who are arrested arbitrarily, persecuted or attacked in connection with their work.
