Religious Freedom Conditions in Libya

This report provides an overview of concerning trends affecting freedom of religion or belief in Libya. Religious freedom and other human rights have suffered amid the country’s prolonged crisis of governance, in which the interim government in Tripoli and rival administrations based in eastern cities remain stalled on the path to long-postponed and critical elections. Authorities in both the west and east—as well as affiliated security actors and independent militias—have targeted for abuse and restricted the liberties of religious minorities, accused apostates and proselytizers, atheists, and people who have expressed dissenting interpretations of Islam. The report emphasizes Libya’s dire need for free and fair elections, a central government, and substantial constitutional and legislative reform to equip authorities and civil society to substantially improve freedom of religion or belief.