The Lockerbie case continues to cast its grim shadow over Libya 37 years on, with its repercussions persisting both internally and externally. Most recently, Abdel Moneim Al-Maryami, nephew of Abu Agila Al-Maryami, who was surrendered by the Government of National Unity to the United States, was unfortunately abducted.
In a related context, the United Nations Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has documented the detention of no fewer than 60 individuals based on their actual or presumed political affiliation, with a strong indication that the true number of those held for peacefully expressing their political views is considerably higher.
It is worth noting that Abdel Moneim Al-Maryami, known as his family’s spokesperson and a follower of his uncle Abu Agila’s trial, was abducted in recent days. He had previously criticised the government repeatedly, called for demonstrations against it, and described it as a “puppet government”. Al-Maryami’s abduction followed an intensive incitement campaign against him stemming from his involvement in the movement opposing Abdelhamid Dabaiba’s government.
Sarman Security Directorate denies involvement, reveals details
For its part, the Sarman Security Directorate announced the abduction of activist Abdel Moneim Al-Maryami by unknown assailants, denying his presence within any of its security agencies. A patrol from Sarman City Police Station, collaborating with the Criminal Investigation Unit, found Al-Maryami’s car parked on the city’s main road, with his two young daughters inside, both in good condition.
Noureddine Al-Maryami, Abdel Moneim’s brother, called on the Public Prosecutor Al-Siddiq Al-Sour to launch an immediate investigation into the incident, secure his brother’s return, and reveal the kidnappers’ identities.
Government of National Unity: Bearing Responsibility
In this regard, presidential candidate Sulaiman Al-Bayoudi asserted that the kidnappers’ audacity in abducting Abdel Moneim from his children stems from his lack of a militia or leadership of an armed formation; he possesses only his voice and will. Al-Bayoudi held “the Dabaiba government responsible for his safety and freedom, demanding the disclosure of his fate”. He added, in a Facebook post, that those who support the abduction and killing of those with differing opinions are victims awaiting their turn in the whirlpool of chaos.
Blatant Security Breaches
In a related vein, the National Institution for Human Rights condemned the abduction and arbitrary detention of Abdel Moneim Al-Maryami, nephew of Abu Agila Massoud. It noted that armed men abducted him, leaving his children alone in his car, and his fate remains unknown to date, without any statement or announcement from any security agency regarding his detention.
The institution called for the pursuit of the perpetrators responsible for these criminal acts and grave human rights violations, and for holding them accountable and bringing them to justice. The institution affirmed that this incident confirms the complete absence of control over criminal acts and resistance to them, and underscores the poor security conditions in Tripoli. It held the kidnappers and “the Dabaiba government” fully legally responsible for Al-Maryami’s safety, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
The institution also held the Ministry of Interior fully legally responsible for these security breaches and its failure to fulfil its duties and obligations in ensuring the security, protection, and safety of citizens.
Al-Maryami had received prior threats
The Arab Organization for Human Rights in Libya confirmed that Al-Maryami had previously received threats via his phone, suggesting his disappearance was the result of a deliberate kidnapping. The organization demanded his immediate release and safe return to continue his activities.
Abdel Moneim Al-Hurr, head of the Arab Organization for Human Rights, “strongly condemned all kidnapping operations targeting civilians, activists, and civil workers without any exception”. He stated that Libya is experiencing widespread lawlessness and chaos due to routine kidnappings, while armed groups tighten their grip on the country.
Lockerbie: DNA sample transferred to Scotland
Separately, the case of Abu Agila Al-Maryami’s abduction and trial continues to dominate the headlines. The Government of National Unity surrendered him to the United States after an armed group stormed his home and abducted him. His trial is ongoing, without oversight from the government that rendered him.
In this context, the British newspaper The Times confirmed that a DNA sample was transferred from Scotland to the United States for comparison with a sample belonging to Abu Agila Massoud Al-Maryami, as part of the Lockerbie investigation.
The British newspaper clarified that this marks the first instance in which forensic experts in Scotland have been able to extract a biological sample from the suitcase where the bomb was placed, in addition to a personal umbrella found inside.
It added that the process of matching the samples with Abu Agila’s DNA is currently underway, noting that no definitive match has been announced yet, as genetic analyses of Al-Maryami’s sample and its comparison with original evidence are still ongoing.
The newspaper indicated that the operation also encompassed the transfer of parts of the aircraft wreckage to the United States, as part of cooperation and information exchange between the parties involved in the investigation.
Between the abduction of the Al-Maryami family, the accusations levelled by human rights organizations against the Government of National Unity for its alleged involvement in the kidnappings and its failure to take steps to maintain security and stability, and the ongoing Lockerbie case with its foreign trial, the painful reality experienced by citizens and their anxiety over the absence of security persist as an ongoing crisis.