The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented the arbitrary arrest of three citizens, Walid Ali Hassan, Masoud Abdullah Al‑Khaddar, and Mohamed Mahni, on the evening of 3 October 2026 near Martyrs’ Square in central Tripoli, by members of the Public Security and Security Deployment Agency affiliated with the Ministry of Interior, according to information received from the detainees’ families and relatives.
According to available information, the three men remain in detention, amid allegations that their arrest was linked to their political views and their support for Mustafa Al‑Majdoub, a candidate for the position of Prime Minister.
The Committee for Justice stated that the incident raises serious concerns regarding violations of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression and political participation, as well as safeguards protecting individuals from arbitrary arrest and detention outside the framework of the law.
CFJ emphasized that the detention of individuals solely because of their political opinions or affiliations, if confirmed, constitutes an infringement of the civil and political rights guaranteed under law and underscores the need for transparency regarding the legal basis for their detention and assurances concerning their safety and well-being.
The Committee for Justice calls for the immediate disclosure of the legal basis for the detention of Walid Ali Hassan, Masoud Abdullah Al‑Khaddar, and Mohamed Mahni, and for their immediate release unless their detention is supported by a clear and lawful legal foundation.
CFJ further calls for ensuring that the detainees are afforded all legal safeguards and due process protections, and urges the opening of an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Committee also calls for accountability for any violations that may have occurred and stresses the importance of protecting freedom of expression, political participation, and fundamental civil liberties.
