Western countries demand "immediate release" of kidnapped Libyan PM

The Delegation of the European Union (EU), the EU Heads of Mission to Libya and the Head of Mission of Canada on Saturday called for "immediate release" of Siham Sergiwa, a member of the east-based House of Representatives.

"The Delegation of the European Union, the EU Heads of Mission to Libya and the Head of Mission of Canada remain strongly committed to promoting equal rights and opportunities for women and men, girls and boys," the three parties said in a joint statement.

"Today, we reiterate our call for the immediate release of House of Representatives member Mrs. Siham Sergiwa and call upon the relevant authorities to assume their responsibility and investigate her abduction," it added.

In July 2019, unidentified gunmen kidnapped Sergiwa from her home in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi, took her to an unknown location and shot her husband.

"We reaffirm our strong condemnation of all forms of violence against women and girls and to hold all those responsible for violations accountable," the statement said.

The statement also expressed support for the Libyan women in their demand for equal rights and opportunities, such as equal education rights, equal opportunities for work, and equal representation in politics.

"We recall the EU sponsored UN General Assembly resolutions on the elimination of all forms of violence against women as well as the UN Rules on the treatment of Women Prisoners recognizing the special needs of women in detention and protecting their rights," the statement added.