Journalist Al-Mansouri’s health at risk
11.08.2005
August 11, 2005
Re: Al-Mansouri's health at risk
Dear Human Rights activists:
On January 12, 2005, security agents of the Gadhafi regime
arrested Abdelrazig Al Mansouri at his home in Tobruk and
put him in prison, where his whereabouts were unknown even
to close family members. All attempts to enquire about his
location or condition were rebuffed; and those making enquiries,
were threatened and cautioned against asking such questions
in the future. It was several months after his arrest before
any person was permitted to visit him in the notorious Abuslim
prison on the outskirts of Tripoli. Abdelrazig's crime was
his complaint about lack of free press and the regime's
harsh measures in suppressing other views.
Because of the crowded conditions in Libyan jails, prisoners
are forced to sleep in stacked beds. Abdelrazig was asleep
on one of those upper-level beds when he supposed fell;
the height of his bed combined with the bare cement floor,
resulted in severe fractures to his pelvis. Abdelrazig did
not receive medical attention until 8 hours after his fall.
The prison conditions and the lack of medical care in the
facility have complicated his fractures, which could pose
a serious threat to his life.
We have received several appeals for help from his friends
and supporters, and we ask you to do what is humanly possible
to assist and to bring this case to the attention of the
international community, particularly to human rights groups.
It is our hope that the authorities in Libya would heed
our collective desire for Abdelrazig to receive medical
attention, and to be released from prison, particularly
in the absence of any criminal charges.
Sincerely
Mohamed M. Bugaighis, Ph.D.
Chairman, American Libyan Freedom Alliance (ALFA)
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