On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, we, the undersigned human rights organisations, express our deep concern regarding the deteriorating state of media freedom in Libya. The country’s media sector remains governed by an outdated and fragmented legal framework, which undermines press freedom and freedom of expression. The repeated changes to the regulatory structure – through government decrees issued both in Tripoli and Benghazi, often without consultation with journalists and civil society – have further contributed to an unpredictable and repressive media environment. We urge the Libyan authorities to cooperate, consult and engage in dialogue with civil society and media workers to develop and adopt comprehensive media reforms that comply with Libya’s international human rights obligations.
A fragmented legal and regulatory framework
More than a decade after the uprising against the decades-long rule of Muammar al-Qaddafi, the legal framework governing freedom of expression and the media remains outdated and incoherent. The primary legislation – the Press and Publication Law – dates back to 1972, during Muammar al-Qaddafi’s rule, and applies only to print media. This law is punitive in nature, imposing licensing systems and prior censorship that grant the state broad discretionary powers to approve or deny licences, thereby restricting freedom of expression and media operations. Articles 9 and 10 require media outlets to obtain prior approval from the Publications Department to operate, and impose a prison sentence of no less than six months on anyone working without a press card or licence.
In the absence of a comprehensive legal framework that safeguards press and media freedom, other repressive laws from the Qaddafi era remain in effect and continue to be used to silence dissent and restrict journalists’ work. These include the 1953 Penal Code and its amendments , the Anti-Terrorism Law No. 3 of 2014, Law No. 5 of 2014 and Law No. 4 of 2017 amending the Military Penal and Procedures Codes. Newer legislation, such as the controversial Law No. 5 of 2022 on combating cybercrimes, has only exacerbated the repressive media environment. These laws stand in direct contradiction to Libya’s 2011 Constitutional Declaration and its amendments , which guarantees freedom of expression and media freedom, as well as to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Libya is a state party.
In recent years, various government decrees have shaped Libya’s media landscape and regulated the media sector, primarily due to the absence of cohesive legislation and a comprehensive regulatory framework. In June 2024, the Ministerial Council issued decree No. 307 of 2024, establishing the National Media Institution. This decree effectively revived the previous Libyan Media Institution, which was established in 2020 (decree No. 597 ) but dissolved by 2021 (decree No. 116).
The Libyan Media Institution has faced criticism in recent years, with human rights organisations recommending reforms to its legal status and the formation of a board of directors that demonstrates independence, professionalism, and integrity. However, it was dissolved and the oversight for public media outlets was transferred to six ministries and agencies – including the Council of Ministers – prior to its re-integration into the Radio and Television network following decree 1004 of 2022. Human rights organisations argued that this move would result in increased government control over public media and interference in media editorship and content, thereby violating media freedom and independence. The decree marks a further escalation in the ongoing institutional fragmentation , particularly following the establishment of the ‘Libyan Media Foundation ‘ by the eastern-based government in June 2023.
While the re-establishment of a National Media Institution may seem like a step forward in an environment marked by the lack of a unified regulatory body and characterised by fragmented press unions, concerns persist regarding its alignment with international freedom of expression standards. Notably, the decree was issued without consulting key stakeholders, including journalists and civil society, despite the National Unity Government’s commitment under circular No. 8 of 2021 to involve professional unions and civil society organisations in shaping media sector policies.
The decree consolidates several public media entities, including media outlets, under the authority of the National Media Institution. It also includes the General Authority for Monitoring Media Content, which is responsible for monitoring professional violations in media discourse. Additionally, it incorporates government bodies established by the National Unity Government, later merged into the National Media Institution, such as the Media Support Fund, the Audiovisual Authority, and a wide network of public radio stations.
It is concerning that the institution’s leadership – including its head and deputy – are directly appointed by the Prime Minister, raising significant concerns about the institution’s independence from the executive branch and appointments being political rather than in the public interest. This increases the risk of government control over public media and interference in editorial decisions. International standards require that the process of appointing members of regulatory bodies be free from political interference and economic interests. However, the decree fails to establish an appointment process that ensures pluralism and transparency in accordance with said international standards. The institution’s broad power to issue licences and permits, coupled with its lack of independence, constitute a serious risk for press freedom.
Journalists continue to face assaults, arbitrary arrests, and detention
Journalists in Libya continue to face various forms of violations, including assaults and restrictions, for over a decade now, amid the ongoing deterioration of press freedom. On 31 October, 2024, journalist Mohamed Surait, editor-in-chief of Al-Hayat Al-Libya newspaper in Benghazi, was subjected to enforced disappearance for 20 days due to a Facebook post in which he criticised public conditions. The Internal Security Agency later released him in the eastern region of the country. On 11 July, 2024, the same agency arrested journalist Ahmed Al-Sanousi, director of Al-Sada Economic newspaper, in Tripoli following a complaint filed by the Minister of Economy and Trade for the Government of National Unity. The arrest was linked to documents Al-Sanousi published regarding corruption cases within the Ministry of Economy and Trade of the Interim Government of National Unity.
In a broader context, journalists continue to be tried before military courts. In May 2020, a military court in Benghazi sentenced photojournalist and activist Ismail Bouzreeba Al-Zway. to 15 years in prison on terrorism-related charges. The conviction was based on content found on his phone, including messages critical of the General Command of the Libyan Army and Operation Dignity. Internal Security forces arrested Al-Zway in Ajdabiya in December 2018 and released him in September 2021.
More recently, journalist Salehin Al-Zarwali has been detained since May 2024 over Facebook posts critical of the authorities. He is currently being tried by a military court in Benghazi and first appeared before the court on 13 March, 2025, after repeated delays. His lawyers have had only limited access to his case files.
Need to support media reforms in consultation with civil society
The ongoing political divisions in Libya, compounded by a fragmented and heavily politicised media landscape, have left journalists increasingly exposed to threats, harassment, and arbitrary arrests. Media outlets operate under constant risk of censorship and sudden closure, severely restricting Libyans’ access to pluralistic and independent sources of information – an essential pillar of democratic governance.
A free and independent media is crucial for fostering accountability, encouraging civic engagement, and supporting Libya’s journey toward stability and democracy. On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the undersigned organisations urge the Libyan Parliament to prioritise engagement with civil society, journalists, and media professionals in the development of comprehensive media reforms. These reforms must guarantee the independence of the media sector from executive interference and ensure alignment with Libya’s international human rights obligations.
It is urgent that a new media reform process be adopted through a transparent and consultative process involving journalists, media organisations, and civil society actors. For years, local civil society has been advocating for legislation that protects press freedom and upholds international standards of media independence, pluralism, and journalist safety. Since 2018, efforts have been made to replace the outdated 1972 Press and Publication Law. Civil society groups have developed a draft media law and campaigned for its implementation in the face of ongoing political inertia. In 2022, the Libyan Organization for Independent Media drafted a media regulation bill with contributions from legal experts, journalists, academics, and civil society representatives. The bill was discussed in 2024 during dialogue sessions with both the High Council of State (HCS) and the House of Representatives (HoR). ARTICLE 19 has analysed the draft and, while recognising several positive provisions, we believe further revisions are necessary to ensure full alignment with international standards.
We therefore call on the Libyan authorities to take the following steps:
- Repeal Law No. 76 of 1972 on Publications and adopt a new, comprehensive media law developed in consultation with civil society, journalists, press unions, and other stakeholders.
- Establish an independent regulatory authority to oversee and reform the audiovisual media sector, ensuring it has institutional, administrative, and financial autonomy.
- Review and reform the broader legal framework on freedom of expression, including the repeal of all Penal Code provisions that criminalise peaceful expression, Cybercrime Law No. 5 of 2022, and Anti-Terrorism Law No. 3 of 2014, to ensure full compliance with Libya’s international human rights obligations.
- Adopt a law guaranteeing the right to access information, which is a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and the broader promotion of freedom of expression.
- Establish independent mechanisms to investigate attacks against journalists and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
- Support training programmes for lawyers and judges on journalists’ rights and freedom of expression, including collaboration with civil society initiatives, to ensure justice in cases related to the press.
Signatory organisations
- The Libyan Organization for Independent Media
- The Libyan Center for Press Freedom
- Rabssa Media and Culture Group
- Aswat Network
- Article 19
- Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR)
- Lawyers for Justice in Libya (LFJL)