Libyan TV host Ahmed al-Sanussi arrested after corruption report

“CPJ strongly denounces the arrest of Libyan TV host Ahmed al-Sanussi. It is unacceptable that authorities have not disclosed where he is being held or the reason for his arrest,” said CPJ Interim MENA Program Coordinator Yeganeh Rezaian. “Authorities must immediately and unconditionally free al-Sanussi and ensure he is returned home safely.”

On July 11, security forces arrested al-Sannusi, whose “Flosna” show covers local politics and economics on the independent Wasat TV, and held him in an unknown location, according to news reports, which said that the journalist had recently reported on allegations of government corruption.

As of Friday, al-Sannusi’s place of detention and the reason for his arrest remained unknown, a local journalist told CPJ on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisal.

CPJ’s emails to Libya’s Internal Security Agency regarding al-Sannussi’s arrest did not receive any response.