UN voices concern over arrests of journalists in Libya

UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Saturday expressed concern over the arrests of journalists in the country.

"UNSMIL is deeply concerned by the continued crackdown on and arrests of journalists in Libya, and calls on the Libyan authorities to protect journalists and strengthen press freedom," said the mission.

"Crimes against journalists must be prosecuted," it added.

According to a report by Alwasat news website, the latest arrested journalist was Ismail Bouzreeba, who works for a local TV channel and was arrested on Thursday morning by the security in the eastern city of Ajdabiya while covering honoring ceremony for retired teachers.

The report said Bouzreeba was arrested under the accusation of working for a local TV channel which is against the eastern-based army.

Despite signing a UN-sponsored political agreement by the Libyan rival parties in 2015, Libya remains politically divided between eastern and western authorities, both competing for legitimacy.