“Raising questions regarding allegation of corruption and misconduct by judges is a legitimate activity, which should not be criminalized,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Programme Director.
The journalist’s right to a fair trial has been undermined throughout the court proceedings, exacerbating Amnesty International’s concerns.
In the last hearing on 1 April, the court prevented the lawyer of Amara al-Khattabi’s choice to plead the case, appointing a different lawyer against the journalist’s will. The family opposed the decision and fear that further restrictions might be imposed.
Under Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Libya is party, the state has an obligation to uphold fair trial rights and grant Amara al-Khattabi access to a lawyer of his choosing.
(Source: Amnesty International)