JEM calls for release of Dr Khalil Ibrahim

The movement’s president has been detained in Tripoli since 2010The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) reiterated on Tuesday its appeal for the safe release of its president Dr Khalil Ibrahim who is in detention in Tripoli, Libya.

The movement’s president has been detained in Tripoli since 2010

The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) reiterated on Tuesday its appeal for the safe release of its president Dr Khalil Ibrahim who is in detention in Tripoli, Libya.Gabriel Adam Bilal, spokesperson of the JEM, said in a statement, “We reiterate calling on the new Libyan leaders, the NATO, the UN and other international organizations to work for safe release of president of JEM who has been under involuntary presence in Tripoli since May 2010.”

Bilal attributed Dr Ibrahim’s detention in Libya to regional conspiracy aimed at isolating JEM leadership from its popular and military base. He added that Khartoum’s propaganda machine had been trying to portray JEM’s leaders in Libya as Gadaffi mercenaries.

Bilal told Radio Dabanga, “I would like to appeal to the new Libyan leaders not allow any treatment or procedure that is not recognized by international humanitarian law and UN charter of human rights.”

UNHCR appeals for safety of refugees

Antonio Guterres, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) appealed on Tuesday to all parties involved in the Libyan conflict to ensure safety of thousands of foreigners trapped in Tripoli and other areas in light of the continued fighting there.

Guterres pointed to the exposure of foreigners, especially Africans, to the risk of retaliation and hostility in the beginning of the crisis. In April 2011, a few months after the outbreak of the revolution in Libya, Sudanese refugees in the country had to be evacuated to Khartoum.

Guterres stressed the need to respect international humanitarian law despite the current events in Libya, and the need for protection of foreigners, including refugees and migrant workers.

Hundreds of thousands of migrant workers and those in need of international protection have fled Libya to neighboring countries in the past months. However, estimates still indicate the presence of tens of thousands of foreigners in Tripoli and other areas of Libya.