Nasser al-Hawari, a human rights activist, was arrested in Egypt after criticizing Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar on his television show. Amnesty International urges for his release, citing concerns over his enforced disappearance and lack of communication with family. The incident underscores the complicated ties between the Egyptian government and Haftar’s forces, as well as the risks faced by activists.
Nasser al-Hawari, an Egyptian-Libyan human rights activist, was detained outside his home in Alexandria on February 9, following a critical discussion on his television show regarding alleged abuses of prisoners by militias affiliated with Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar. Amnesty International has expressed serious concern over his detention and is urging the Egyptian authorities to secure his release.
Amnesty reported that al-Hawari had announced plans to disclose further evidence of human rights violations in a subsequent broadcast, increasing the need for transparency regarding his situation. His detention coincides with the broader context of Haftar’s military influence and alliances in the region, particularly with the Egyptian government, which has backed his forces covertly over the years.
The whereabouts of al-Hawari remain unknown as authorities have not communicated with his family since his arrest. Mahmoud Shalaby, an international researcher with Amnesty, highlighted the anxiety felt by al-Hawari’s family, indicating that they have not received any information about his status or location since he was taken without an arrest warrant.
Additionally, police have also subjected al-Hawari’s brother to temporary detention, along with threats of further repercussions should he speak publicly about the situation. Nasser al-Hawari is recognized for his advocacy work, including his roles as director of the rights organization Victims for Human Rights and founder of the Libyan Observatory for Human Rights, focusing on prisoner torture documentation.
Having fled to Tunisia in early 2024 after being detained by militia in Tripoli, al-Hawari arrived in Egypt in June 2024. His past activism aligns with his criticism of Haftar’s operations, which led to him escaping eastern Libya in 2023 due to retaliatory actions against him for exposing human rights abuses.
Amnesty International firmly asserts that the Egyptian government’s ties to Haftar should not serve as justification for retaliatory measures against al-Hawari for his efforts to highlight human rights violations attributed to Haftar’s command. The organization’s advocacy continues to press for accountability regarding al-Hawari’s situation and the broader implications of governmental actions against human rights defenders.
The detention of Nasser al-Hawari raises significant concerns regarding human rights and freedom of expression in Egypt. Amnesty International has called for his immediate release and transparency related to his situation. The incidents highlight the challenges faced by activists in regions facing authoritarian governance, particularly when national alliances complicate advocacy against human rights violations.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
