إلى معالي السيّدة هيلاري كلينتون وزيرة الخارجيّة الأمريكيّة

Open Letter to the Secretary of State of the United States of America
Regarding Imprisonment of Jamal Al Hajji in Tripoli, Libya

December 16, 2009

NCLO
P.O.Box 11111
Burke, VA 22009


The Honorable Hillary Clinton
U.S. Department of State
2201 C street NW
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,

The National Conference of the Libyan opposition is an umbrella organization comprised of several Libyan opposition groups and independents actively opposed to the tyrannical regime of Muammar Gaddafi. Although they are currently most active outside of Libya, several of them enjoy support inside of Libya, however less visibly active, since the current Libyan regime views any form of opposition as treasonous act of defiance.

Despite lack of tolerance toward any dissenting voices in Libya, there have been several vocal Libyans, calling for democratic change. One such advocate for democracy was the late Fathi Eljahmi, who has become known worldwide for his open advocacy of democratic change in Libya. Fathi Eljahmi was arrested in 2002, and had subsequently spent many years in solitary confinement, deprived of vital medications and family visits; he died in May 2009 because of failing health.

There have been several other individuals who are voicing their calls for open and tolerant society in Libya, one such person is Jamal Al Hajji. Jamal Al Hajji holds dual Libyan and Danish nationalities. Jamal is Libyan by birth, and later joined the exodus of Libyans seeking freedom overseas. After spending several years in Denmark, he was granted Danish Citizenship. Jamal Al Hajji has openly and peacefully advocated democracy in Libya through speeches, but mostly through writings, posted on Libyan web sites overseas.

Prior to Human Rights Watch’s most recent visit to Libya, Jamal Al Hajji was arrested and thrown in jail and was denied any visits by family, lawyers, and friends. We believe that his arrest was an attempt by the Gaddafi regime to silence his voice and to prevent him from attending the Press Conference, organized by Human Rights Watch in Tripoli. Although Human Rights Watch had left Libya by now, Jamal Al Hajji still remains in confinement, and his condition and whereabouts are unknown. We are concerned for his safety; therefore, we are asking you, Secretary Clinton, to raise your voice, and to demand an immediate and unconditional release of Jamal Al Hajji from prison.

Sincerely,

Breik Swessi, Chairman
The National Conference of the Libyan opposition (NCLO)