Abdul-Munem Al-Marimi: ‘Martyr of the Word’ Falls to State Repression
Activist’s ordeal began after his uncle’s 2022 extradition and ends with a death that has ignited nationwide anger
An ordinary poet thrust into Libya’s bitter politics
Abdul-Munem Al-Marimi was a Tripoli-born poet and artist struggling to raise his children—until 16 November 2022, when armed members of the Joint Force Misrata seized his uncle, former External Security officer Abu Ajila Al-Marimi, on orders from Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah and extradited him to the United States. From that night forward, the young man with no taste for politics became a tireless protester.
A lone voice of protest—and a growing target
Al-Marimi joined every rally opposing the hand-over of Libyan citizens to foreign powers, brandishing placards that bore slogans such as his uncle’s jail-cell message: “Send my regards to the soil of my country.” As tensions mounted in the capital—especially after a failed bid to oust the Stability Support Apparatus and the Special Deterrence Force—he emerged as a youth icon but also a marked man.
Government-aligned outlets soon accused him of treason; anonymous audio messages threatened him with death or imprisonment. He brushed them aside, insisting he sought only the government’s resignation.
The ambush
On 30 June 2025, Internal Security officers under their new chief, Brig-Gen Mustafa Al-Wuhaishi, intercepted Al-Marimi’s car and abducted him in front of his children, leaving the youngsters alone in the street.
A “collaboration” charge collapses
Prosecutors have since confirmed they received his file at noon 3 July, charging him with demonstrating without a permit and “collaborating” with an Egyptian national. When Al-Marimi was produced at 5 p.m., investigators learned that the Egyptian was a well-known journalist who had interviewed him openly. Finding the evidence “baseless,” prosecutors ordered his immediate release after a 15-minute interrogation.
A fatal fall in custody
While formalities were under way, Al-Marimi asked to use the lavatory. Surveillance footage, prosecutors say, shows he allegedly jumped over a stairwell railing to the ground floor. Guards rushed him to Al-Khalil Clinic.
Medical findings
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Acute intracranial haemorrhage (2.4 cm, right fronto-parietal)
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Skull fractures, bleeding from right ear and nose
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Multiple vertebral fractures (C7–D9) and bilateral pneumothorax
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Deep coma (GCS 3/15); mechanical ventilation; unstable haemodynamics
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Decompressive craniectomy with skull bone stored temporarily in abdomen
Doctors warned of a “high probability of death.” He succumbed on 4 July 2025.
Streets erupt and condemnation mounts
News of his death sent crowds into the streets of Greater Tripoli and Zawiya: tyres burned, main roads were blocked and chants demanded Dbeibah’s ouster.
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said it was “shocked and deeply saddened,” calling for a “transparent, independent investigation” into the activist’s arbitrary detention and death.
The Social Council of Souq Al-Jum‘a and the Four Districts called the case “a heinous crime designed to silence free voices,” holding security forces fully responsible and vowing to sustain peaceful protest until justice is served.
Al-Marsad – Reporting