Statement from the Libyan Ministry of Justice regarding the Libyan Detainees in the UAE

(Unofficial translation - original statement provided below)

Statement from the Libyan Ministry of Justice regarding the Libyan Detainees in the UAE

A year has passed since the detainment of the Libyan nationals who are residing in the UAE by the UAE authorities. The detainees have not been released and no information is available in relation to their cases. The Ministry of Justice is following the matter closely and with great concern. These cases contain many human right infringements without taking into account the guarantees provided for by various international covenants, treaties and agreements. In addition to being guaranteed by local legislation.

We are surprised that such acts are committed by the UAE given that there are no criminal charges, proper investigation or just trial to those detained. We see this as an indication that the UAE is taking a stance against the Arabic Spring which sought change in the regime of the Arab leadership.

The detainment of the Libyan nationals by the authorities indicate that this is a step against the Libyan revolution.

We warn the UAE from slipping into interfering in the Libyan matters in away that jeopardizes the sovereignty in Libya and its unity. We ask the leadership in the country to stay away from anything that may jeopardize the mutual relationship between the countries.

Furthermore, they should not take the side of those against the 17th of Feb revolution. We do condemn the arbitrary arrest, the torture and the inhumane treatment that has been committed in the UAE, we further ask the UAE authorities to quickly release them, and we hold them responsible for the deteriorating health of the detainees. We further consider the end of the arbitrary detention is a religious, legal, and moral responsibility of the GCC considering the UAE is a member in the council.

We further appeal to the Arabic Maghreb to perform its responsibilities toward the Libyan nationals considering that Libya is a member in the Maghreb Union, the international community through the United Nation and its Libyan mission to stand against the infringements that are committed publicly without accountability of those responsible.

August 30 2015