Act Now: Libyan Professor Abducted by Militias

On 20 April, University professor and father of four Dr Salem Mohamed Beitelmal was kidnapped by local militias on the outskirts of Tripoli. His fate and whereabouts remain unknown as the family has not been able to reach him since. On the morning of 20 April, Dr Salem Mohamed Beitelmal was driving to the University of Tripoli, a 20-minute drive from his house, when he was abducted. Dr Salem Beitelmal is an engineering professor at the Department of Maritime Engineering and used to drive to work every day. However, he never made it that day.

At around 10 am, the neighbours found his abandoned car and phone in a street not far from his home in Siyyad area, on the outskirts of Tripoli. The neighbours searched the car and the surroundings but could not find any trace of him and called the family to inform them that Dr Salem Beitelmal had gone missing. The area where the abduction took place is under the control of several militias. Some of these militias operate nominally under the authority of the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defence of the UN recognised Government of National Accord. Other militias are seemingly affiliated to either of the three factions struggling to gain power in the country. Following the abduction of Dr Salem Beitelmal, his family has tried relentlessly to identify his whereabouts by contacting the relevant authorities on the ground. However, all these attempts were unsuccessful.

No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction and the family is still seeking to identify which militia is holding him. Dr Salem Beitelmal, who is 68 years old, suffers from pre-existing health condition and requires continued medication. His family is concerned for his health and security.

A close family member told Amnesty International: “Our concern is for his health and safety. We call on all parties to act immediately and place all necessary pressure to ensure his quick and safe return to his family.”

Pressure the Authorities on Social Media

Save & share this graphic on Twitter to urge Libyan authorities to ensure the safety of Dr Beitlmal.
Save & share this graphic on Twitter to urge Libyan authorities to ensure the safety of Dr Beitlmal.

Twitter targets: @FaiezSerraj / @khalifa_libyan

Save & share this graphic on Facebook to urge authorities to disclose the fate and whereabouts of Dr Salem
Save & share this graphic on Facebook to urge authorities to disclose the fate and whereabouts of Dr Salem

Facebook targets: @LibyanGovernment / @khalifaghweil / @Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi / @MinistryofDefense.ly

Write Letters of Appeal

Please write immediately in Arabic, English or your own language:

  • Urging the Libyan authorities to ascertain and disclose the fate and whereabouts of Dr. Salem Mohamed Beitelmal and ensure his safety;
  • Calling on the Libyan authorities to immediately secure the release of Dr. Salem Mohamed Beitelmal.

Send appeals to:

Prime Minister of the Government National AccordMr Fayez al-Sarraj
Government of National Accord
Tripoli, Libya
Facebook Page: @LibyanGovernment
Twitter: @FaiezSerraj / @GNAMedia
Salutation: Your Excellency

Prime Minister of the Government National SalvationMr Khalifa al-Ghawil
Government of National Salvation
Tripoli, Libya
Fax: + 218 21 362 0132
Facebook: @khalifaghweil
Twitter: @khalifa_libyan
Email: [email protected]
Salutation: Your Excellency

And copies to:Minister of Defence
Mr Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi
Ministry of Defence
Tripoli, Libya
Fax: +218 21 480 0168
Email: [email protected]

Download PDF of call to urgent action for Dr Salem.