Libyan protest organiser dies in custody in Tripoli, sparking outrage

Abdul Moneim al-Marimi, a prominent political activist and protest organiser in western Libya, died in custody last week, prompting widespread anger, street protests, and calls for an independent investigation.

The circumstances surrounding his detention and death have become the subject of competing official narratives, further fuelling public suspicion and outrage.

Al-Marimi was detained by Libya’s Internal Security Agency, affiliated with the Government of National Unity (GNU), after disappearing under unclear circumstances on Monday. His car was found abandoned in the city of Sorman with his two young daughters inside.

At the time, local police described the incident as a kidnapping by unknown individuals. Days later, the Attorney General's office confirmed that al-Marimi had in fact been held by Internal Security.

On Friday, authorities confirmed that al-Marimi had died from injuries sustained while in custody.

The Public Prosecution claimed that al-Marimi had attempted to exit the prosecution building and jumped through a stairwell. This, they said, led to injuries that required hospitalisation and ultimately caused his death.

However, the Internal Security Agency issued a conflicting statement on Sunday. It asserted that al-Marimi had died inside the Public Prosecution's premises after being transferred from their custody. The agency denied any legal or operational responsibility for his death.

The agency also claimed that the prosecution had extended al-Marimi's detention, contradicting the prosecution’s earlier statement that he had been released.

The Internal Security Agency described him as a "suspect" and insisted he had been treated with dignity throughout his detention. It did not specify the charges against him, citing the "confidential" nature of its investigations.

Despite these conflicting statements, the central fact remains: al-Marimi died while being processed through official security and legal channels.

His death has triggered immediate public reaction. Protesters gathered in Tripoli and Zawiya, blocking roads and chanting slogans against the GNU and its security services. Many held the government fully responsible for his death and demanded immediate legal action. Some demonstrators marched to the office of the Attorney General to call for prosecutions.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) issued a statement expressing shock and sadness, describing the arrest as a "kidnapping" and urging authorities to launch a "transparent and comprehensive" investigation.

The mission said the probe should examine not only the events inside the prosecution building but also the "arbitrary detention" of al-Marimi and "allegations of torture" throughout his time in custody.

Al-Marimi's family has postponed his burial, calling for a neutral and credible forensic investigation. A close friend and civil activist, Ahmed al-Jarari, said the family suspects he was tortured while in detention, and that physical evidence will be critical to proving their claims.

Al-Marimi had become a well-known figure in anti-government protests, particularly those calling for the departure of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh's government.

He also drew public attention after speaking out repeatedly against the extradition of his uncle, Abu Agila Masoud, to the United States in connection with the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.