Front Line is concerned following reports of the ongoing detention of human rights defenders Al Sadiq Qashut, Ahmad Yusif Al Ubaidi, Jamal Al Haji, Al Al Dirsi, Faraj Humaid, Adil Humaid, Ali Humaid, Al Mahdi Humaid, Al Sadiq Salih Humaid, Dr Idris Boufayed, Farid Al Zuwi, Bashir Al Haris. All these 12 individuals face potential death sentence. Further concern is expressed for the disappearance of Jum'a Boufayed (brother of Dr Idris Boufayed) and Abd Al Rahman Al Qotaiwi in February 2007.

Further information

Posted 18/10/2007 On 15 and 16 February 2007, Al Sadiq Qashut, Ahmad Yusif Al Ubaidi, Jamal Al Haji, Al Al Dirsi, Faraj Humaid, Adil Humaid, Ali Humaid, Al Mahdi Humaid, Al Sadiq Salih Humaid, Dr Idris Boufayed, Farid Al Zuwi and Bashir Al Haris were arrested for planning to hold a peaceful demonstration in the capital Tripoli. The demonstration was due to take place on 17 February 2007, to commemorate the first anniversary of a violent clash between demonstrators and police in the city of Benghazi, during which 11 demonstrators were killed. All are on trial for planning to overthrow the government, possession of arms and meeting with an official from a foreign government. According to reports, they face potential execution if charged in accordance with corresponding Articles 206 (establishment of any grouping, organisation or association proscribed by law); 166 (talking to or conspiring with a foreign official to provoke or contribute to an attack against Libya); and 167 (conspiring with a foreign official to harm Libya's military, political or diplomatic position) of the Libyan Penal Code. Three open court sessions have taken place during which family members were in attendance, however a session, which was scheduled for 4 August 2007, was postponed. All have reportedly denied the first two charges but have admitted to meeting with an official from the U.S. Embassy to inform him of their plans. Ahmad Yusif Al Ubaidi reportedly suffers from pains in his legs and Al Sadiq Salih Humaid requires psychological care.

Furthermore, Jum'a Boufayed and Abd Al rahman Al Qotaiwi, who were also arrested along with the above-mentioned individuals, have not been seen since their arrest. The Libyan authorities have allegedly failed to provide any information as to their whereabouts. Jum'a Boufayed had no apparent involvement in the organisation of the demonstration, however he was arrested a short time after publishing an interview on a Libyan website based abroad, concerning the arrest of his brother Dr Idris Boufayed. It is not clear what charges they may face.

Dr Idris Boufayed was previously arrested in November 2006 for allegedly publishing letters criticising the Government on an opposition website. He was detained for a period of 55 days. Similarly, Jamal Al Haji, a well-known writer and government critic, published an article calling for “freedom, democracy, a constitutional state and law” a few days prior to his arrest in February 2007. Jamal Al Haji holds Danish citizenship, however the authorities in Denmark have reportedly been prevented from visiting him.

Front Line is extremely concerned that the arrest and ongoing detention of the above-mentioned individuals and the disappearance of Jum'a Boufayed and Abd Al Rahman Al Qotaiwi may form part of an ongoing campaign against human rights defenders in Libya. Further concern is expressed for the physical and psychological integrity of all of those on detention, particularly in light of reports that some of the detainees require medical attention.