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Libya

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From the Communiqué

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Independent news sources suspended; journalists arrested

Libyan authorities are waging a war on journalists critical of the regime's abuses, report Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). In late January, authorities slammed press freedom by blocking several independent and opposition websites, and suspending the print-runs of two privately owned newspapers. Last week, four radio journalists that report on corruption were arrested.

Human Rights Watch holds historical rights review

Human Rights Watch held an unprecedented news conference in Libya on 12 December, releasing a hard-hitting report calling on Libyan authorities to abolish laws that criminalise speech and association, to free those unjustly imprisoned and to provide justice for victims of a 1996 prison massacre. The report acknowledges that freedom of expression has improved in the last five years, but more reform is needed.

Qaddafi celebrates 40 years of rule while media repression goes on

As Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi holds six days of lavish parties, plays, concerts and exhibitions to celebrate the bloodless coup that brought him to power on 1 September 1969, it is unlikely his international guests will ask about Libya's abysmal press freedom record and all the journalists who have been disappeared, tortured or killed in the past 40 years, say the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI).

TWELVE MEN FACE POSSIBLE DEATH FOR PLANNING DEMONSTRATION

Human Rights Watch is calling for the Libyan government to drop charges against 12 men who face possible death sentences for planning a peaceful demonstration in Tripoli. Two other men have not been heard from since their arrest nearly six months ago in connection with the case.

RSF SENDS FACT-FINDING MISSION

In Libya, there are signs that the one-party government's tight controls on freedom of expression are beginning to relax, following the lifting of a U.N. embargo in 2001 and as the country opens up to tourism, according to Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH CALLS FOR URGENT REFORMS

The Libyan government has taken important steps to improve human rights in recent months, but freedom of expression and other rights continue to be severely restricted, said Human Rights Watch in a report released last week.

Campaigns and Advocacy

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IFJ backs call for media reforms

IFJ's affiliates in Libya called for new legislation to guarantee freedom of information, enhance the status of journalists and increase transparency and open government.