The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented the arrest of civil society activist Youssef Al‑Mejrab by an armed group, reportedly in connection with his opinions and public posts on matters of public interest, including discussions surrounding the issue of migrant settlement in Libya.
According to information gathered by CFJ, Al‑Mejrab was taken to an undisclosed location without the announcement of any formal legal procedures, raising serious concerns over his safety and the conditions of his detention, particularly given the lack of information regarding his whereabouts.
Available information indicates that the arrest is linked to Al‑Mejrab’s peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression, a right guaranteed under domestic law and international human rights standards and one that must be protected from interference.
CFJ stated that detaining Al‑Mejrab without a clear legal basis and concealing his place of detention constitutes a violation of human rights and may amount to arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance.
The Committee for Justice calls for the immediate disclosure of the fate and whereabouts of activist Youssef Al‑Mejrab, guarantees for his physical and psychological safety, and enabling him to communicate with his family and legal counsel. CFJ further demands his release in the absence of any lawful grounds for his detention and urges an end to the targeting of activists, while ensuring full respect for freedom of opinion and expression in Libya.
