RSF and LCFP create joint crisis unit for Annabaa TV journalists

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Libyan Centre for Freedom of Press (LCFP) condemn today’s arson attack by an armed group on Tripoli-based Annabaa TV and the armed group’s publication of a list of the TV channel’s employees, exposing them to great danger. RSF and LCFP have set up crisis unit to provide Annabaa TV’s employees with assistance.

Located in a Tripoli suburb, Annabaa TV has not been broadcasting since the fire was started by a militia from western Libya, which also obtained a list of employees and posted it onine. The publication of the list, which gives their full names, the department where they work and their salaries, has triggered a storm of online hate comments against the journalists.

In response, RSF and LCFP have made a phone number available so that Annabaa TV’s journalists can call if they need emergency assistance.

We firmly condemn this fire and the publication of the names and personal details of the TV channel’s employees with the aim of causing them harm,” RSF editor-in-chief Virginie Dangles said. “The physical safety of journalists working in Libya must be an absolute priority for all parties to the conflict.”

LCFP director Mohamed Ennajem said: “We are concerned for the physical safety of many journalists after the publication of this list, which was stolen during the attack, and we ask the Tripoli authorities to protect them.”

Contact details of the joint crisis unit created by RSF and LCFP to help Annabaa TV’s journalists:

Telephone: +218 910 200 231

Email: afn@rsf.org

Libya is ranked 164th out of 180 countries inRSF’s 2016 World Press Freedom Index.