TRIPOLI: Prominent Libyan journalist Ahmed Sanussi has been released by the authorities after spending three days in detention, local media reported on Monday.
“The prosecution released journalist Ahmed Sanussi on Sunday evening ... three days after his arrest and detention by the internal security services,” said broadcaster Al-Wasat, for which he presents a program on economic issues. No reason was given for the journalist’s detention.
Sanussi, who has uncovered corruption in the North African country, was arrested on Thursday at his Tripoli home after returning from Tunisia, where he is currently based.
The general prosecutor released him after being questioned on Sunday, according to Al-Wasat, which has a studio in Tunis.
A photo on social media showed Sanussi leaving the Tripoli prosecutor’s office, smiling and surrounded by relatives.
The journalist, also chief editor of the Libyan financial news website Sada, has become well known for exposing politicians and public bodies in cases of embezzlement and other financial fraud.
His recent reporting had focused on the economy ministry.
On Monday, the American Embassy in Tripoli welcomed Sanussi’s release, posting on X that “journalists must be able to exercise their important profession without fear of arbitrary detention.”
“A free press plays a critical role in fostering the exchange of ideas and promoting transparency and accountability, which will be essential to the success of Libya’s democratic transition,” it said.
The UN Support Mission in Libya on Saturday said it was “deeply concerned about the arbitrary arrest and detention of journalist Ahmed Sanussi” and called for his immediate release.
Libya has been wracked by division and unrest since the 2011 overthrow of its leader Muammar Qaddafi, and remains divided between two rival administrations.
