Libya’s Public Prosecutor arrests five atheists

Libyan authorities have arrested five people on charges of promoting atheism and insulting Islamic religion, according to the public prosecutor.

In a statement, Public Prosecutor Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said his office carried out an investigation into the activity of a secret group known as the Enlightenment Movement, saying the group was established “in contravention of the provisions of the law.”

The prosecutor said he received evidence from the Internal Security Agency supporting the charges, noting that members of the group have confessed to the accusations.

The statement said the defendants were asked to “repent” as they wait to be referred to the court.