Interview with the author: Salem A. Salem al-Hasi

In a few sentences, how would you describe the situation of freedom of association in Libya?
In Libya, there is no functioning civil society in terms of independent organizations that can express views opposed to the “Leader of the Revolution’s” views. Freedom of association in Libya is severely restricted to institutions and unions affiliated with the government. Libyan law bans the formation and the activities of groups based on political ideology inconsistent with the principles of the “1969 Revolution.” Violations of this law could lead to the death penalty.
 
What is the main positive point in the current situation?
The main positive point in the current situation is the willingness to open the country before international human rights organizations, which came as a result of international pressure to improve the state of human rights in Libya. The Libyan regime allowed international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International (AI) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) to visit Libya and see firsthand the poor situation of human rights in Libya, including the violations of the international standards of the right to freedom of association.
 
The main negative point?
The main negative point in regards to the state of the freedom of association, and human rights in general, in Libya is the regime’s response to international calls to improve human rights conditions in the country. Instead of taking real measures to prevent human rights abuses, the Libyan regime has created an “artificial” civil society, which is no more than a government puppet to appease international onlookers. The creation of nongovernmental organizations with close ties to the government was meant to ease the international pressure, and the increasing local demands to improve the state of human rights.

What are the main obstacles to the normal use of the freedom of association?
The main obstacle is the absence of a permanent constitution that is sanctioned by a free vote of the Libyan people. The other obstacle is the laws, regulations and proceedings which ban the formation of associations or groups based on a political ideology that is contrary to the principles of “al-Fatih Revolution."

What is your personal opinion about the future of freedom of association in Libya?
I believe that as long as there are no genuine steps taken to change Libya into a constitutional state which preserves the rights of its citizens, the country will remain without the freedom of association. I believe that with the current vague political structure, and in the presence of the piles of laws and regulations designed only to protect the leadership of the country, the Libyan people will not enjoy their right to the freedom of association.

Salem A. Salem al-Hasi is a teacher and a Human rights activist.
Interview carried out in December 2007