Human rights defenders in Libya face severe persecution including arbitrary detention, torture, prosecution on fabricated charges and prolonged imprisonment. The authorities do not permit free speech, a free press or freedom of association. It is not possible for independent human rights organizations to work openly in Libya. A multi-layered state security body monitors the population, and imposes harsh punishments upon political dissidents, human rights activists and journalists. Hundreds have been detained without charge and kept incommunicado for months. Torture is frequently applied during interrogations. Human rights defenders have had their passports confiscated and denied legal assistance. According to the Geneva-based organization Libyan Human Rights Solidarity, at least 258 political prisoners have been forcibly "disappeared."

In February 2007, over a dozen Libyan men were arrested for planning a demonstration to protest police violence in the country. The authorities accused them of plotting to overthrow the government. Under Article 166 of Libya's penal code, the death penalty may be imposed on anyone “who talks to or conspires with a foreign official to provoke or contribute to an attack against Libya”. In 2004 the Libyan dissident Fathi al-Jahmi was sentenced to death for speaking to foreign officials about the human rights situation in the country. He remains in custody in spite of numerous calls for his release. Many journalists have been subjected to heavy prison sentences for minor criticisms of the ruling authorities. The Libyan authorities have been engaged in efforts to improve relations with other countries and their international image but there have been few reforms with respect to the treatment of HRDs.