The Delegation of the European Union in Libya on Thursday voiced its concern over the reported disappearance of a member of Libya’s east-based parliament and called for her immediate release.
According to local media reports, unidentified gunmen on Wednesday kidnapped Siham Sergewa from her home in the eastern city Benghazi, took her to an unknown location, and shot her husband.
The EU is asking Libyan security agencies to clarify Ms. Sergewa’s whereabouts and urged her immediate release.
“Recalling recent similar incidents, the Delegation reminds that enforced disappearances, unlawful arrests and abductions based on political views or affiliations constitute a serious blow to the rule of law and blatant violations of international humanitarian and human rights law,” the statement said.
The UN-backed Libyan government based in the capital Tripoli holds the rival east-based army responsible for the incident.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said earlier Thursday it “is gravely concerned by and closely following up on media reports about the disappearance of Ms. Siham Sergewa and the injury of her husband,” while urging investigation into the attack on her residence, disclosure of her whereabouts, and her immediate release.
Benghazi is controlled by the east-based army which is currently engaged in a deadly armed conflict against the government over the control of Tripoli.
Libya has suffered escalating violence and political instability since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi’s government in 2011.
