Egypt Detains Libyan Activist Nasser Al-Hawari Amid Extradition Fears to Haftar

Watan-In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, Egyptian authorities have arrested Libyan human rights advocate and journalist Nasser Al-Hawari, known for his opposition to General Khalifa Haftar and his criticism of human rights violations in eastern Libya.

His arrest has raised growing concerns about the possibility of his extradition to Haftar-affiliated Libyan authorities, which, according to his family, could put him at significant risk.

Al-Hawari’s family stated that they have been unable to obtain any information about his whereabouts since his arrest, with no official explanation from Egyptian authorities regarding the reasons for his detention or his place of confinement.

Amnesty International Condemns Al-Hawari’s Arrest Amid Extradition Fears

They expressed deep concern over the possibility of enforced disappearance and urged Cairo not to hand him over to any Libyan entity, fearing he could face an unknown fate in Haftar-controlled prisons.

Amnesty International has voiced deep concern over Al-Hawari’s arrest, calling on Egyptian authorities to immediately disclose his location and drop any charges related to his human rights work or journalism. The organization stated, “The close relationship between the Egyptian government and Khalifa Haftar should never justify retaliation against Nasser Al-Hawari simply for exposing the violations committed by Haftar’s forces in eastern Libya.”

Al-Hawari is known for his outspoken opposition to Haftar and for exposing crimes committed by his forces. He has claimed to possess medical documents and irrefutable evidence proving that prisoners in Haftar’s jails have been subjected to torture, highlighting the lack of accountability and independent investigations into these abuses. Through multiple media appearances, he has shed light on the culture of impunity enjoyed by those responsible for such crimes in eastern Libya, calling for fair and transparent investigations.

A leading Libyan human rights activist, Al-Hawari heads the Victims for Human Rights organization and holds Egyptian citizenship. Over the years, he has faced numerous threats and abductions by Haftar’s militias due to his outspoken criticism, ultimately forcing him to flee Libya in search of safety. However, his arrest in Egypt raises serious questions about the possibility of his extradition to Haftar, who seeks to silence all opposition voices inside and outside Libya.

As the situation unfolds, pressure is mounting on Cairo to release Nasser Al-Hawari and prevent any attempts to hand him over to authorities that could endanger his life. Will the Egyptian government heed these calls, or will it proceed with extraditing one of Haftar’s most vocal critics to his fiercest adversary? The coming days will reveal the truth.