On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Libyan journalist Mustafa Khalifa was kidnapped from his home in the town of Al-Barakat, south of the country. Three media organizations - the Libyan Independent Media Organization, the Asa'at Media Network, and the Jadid Sports Media Organization - have jointly condemned the kidnapping. They reported that armed men affiliated with security and military agencies stormed Khalifa's home around 3 am, breaking down the door and frightening his wife and seven-year-old daughter.
The media organizations stated that Khalifa's family has not received any information about his whereabouts or the agency responsible for his detention. They demanded the immediate disclosure of his detention location and unconditional release. The organizations also called for a comprehensive and independent investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need to hold those responsible accountable.
According to the organizations, Mustafa Khalifa works as a photojournalist, focusing on peace journalism, documentary filmmaking, and preserving Tuareg heritage and culture. They clarified that Khalifa is not involved in political polarization, war journalism, or hate speech and incitement. His family and colleagues have expressed concern about his safety and well-being.
Relatives of Mustafa Khalifa confirmed that he and his brother were taken from their homes in Al-Barakat by armed men on Tuesday morning. However, the exact agency responsible for the kidnapping remains unknown. Some sources speculate that the kidnapping may be linked to the activities of Khalifa's brother, Bashir al-Shaykh, who is the head of the political wing of the "Operations Room for the Liberation of the South".
Bashir al-Shaykh has denied any connection between his activities and those of his brothers, stating that they are not involved in his political work. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of journalists and civilians in Libya. The media organizations have urged the authorities to take immediate action to ensure Khalifa's safe release.
The Libyan government and international community have been called upon to take a strong stance against such incidents and protect journalists' rights and freedoms. The organizations emphasized the importance of respecting national legislation, international conventions, and human rights in Libya. They also stressed the need to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among Libyan journalists, activists, and human rights groups. They have called for a united effort to protect journalists and ensure their safety while performing their duties. The media organizations have vowed to continue advocating for Khalifa's release and supporting his family during this difficult time.
Key points
- The Libyan media organizations have demanded the immediate release of journalist Mustafa Khalifa and a comprehensive investigation into his kidnapping.
