Media Freedom in Libya: Viewpoint

Minister of Culture Habib Mohammed Al-Amin shares his views on media freedom in Libya.

Al-Amin explains: “Let us talk with clarity and honesty, the freedom of expression, the freedom of press and the freedom of thinking are concepts that the Libyans paid for in blood in order to get. But also, let me remind you that we are making our way toward the state, and we know that in other countries even in the American or European countries, there are laws that might hinder these concepts of freedom to certain extents in certain matters. But until now in Libya, no man can oppress another, also the government isn’t planning to hinder the freedom of expression, or set limitations or silence anyone. Also, there is no such law that would validate such acts. Like for example, some days ago a journalist was arrested yet after short while he was released again.”

“What you need to know is that you cannot get a clear and complete answer about this matter from any minister or even a regular citizen, so I invite you to be here after the poll over the new constitution has been made, because that constitution will set the rules for the freedoms after the Libyan people has spoken. But if you ask me about my wishes, my hopes, my expectations that goes along with what most of the Libyans hope for, then I can tell you that we hope to have freedoms of expression, press and journalism as these freedoms are our gains after the revolution. We don’t want to let go of that because they serve as a factor of assurance and regulator at the same time. It assures the rights and values of a human, and a regulator for the shape of state that we are working to have since it is also called the fourth estate or the legitimate monitoring by the people over the activities of the state through press and media,” adds the minister.