22/05/2009
Libyan dissident and human rights activist Fathi al-Jahmi, 68, died Thursday (May 21st) in a Jordanian hospital, international press reported. Last week, Libyan authorities released him from prison to obtain urgent medical care in Jordan. Al-Jahmi, a former provincial governor, was first arrested in 2002 over criticism of Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi. "Fathi el-Jahmi was a towering democracy activist and fearless government critic who never allowed himself to be silent. He is an inspiration to many and his message of freedom of speech and governance lives on," said Zahir Janmohamed of Amnesty International.