Our client, the appellant, born in Tripoli, Libya, asserts his claim for refugee status primarily on grounds of past persecution and the potential for renewed persecution if returned to Libya. He identifies as Muslim and previously served at a high-ranking role in the army. His father has passed away, and his mother resides in Tripoli, along with his brother and sister.
The appellant recounts an incident in February 2017 when he was kidnapped and tortured after delivering a speech containing political references. He narrowly escaped, fearing he would have been killed otherwise. The kidnappers accused him of loyalty to Gaddafi, linking his speech to support for the former regime. He managed to flee the extremist camp and seek medical attention, eventually leaving Libya via Tunisia and arriving in Malta, where he applied for international protection.
The agency acknowledges the appellant’s military background but argues that he does not fit the high-risk profile for persecution based on loyalty to Gaddafi during the conflict. They contend that speaking favourably of Gaddafi does not automatically warrant international protection.
However, the tribunal recognises the ongoing instability and violence in Libya, as evidenced by recent reports detailing clashes between armed groups, forced evictions, mass graves, and the presence of foreign military forces. Despite not meeting the criteria for refugee status, following our arguments and presentations, the tribunal finds credible grounds for subsidiary protection under Maltese law due to the real risk of serious harm if the appellant returns to Libya.
Therefore, the tribunal partially upholds the appeal by confirming the rejection of refugee status but granting subsidiary protection to our client. This decision is based on substantial evidence of ongoing threats and instability in Libya, which pose a genuine risk to the appellant’s safety and well-being.
This was another success story for our firm where our client was granted subsidiary protection. Sciberras Advocates can assist in appeals at the International Protection Appeals Tribunal, with the Immigration Appeals Board or written requests to Principal Immigration Officer to appeal, overturn bans and challenge removal orders. More information about immigration services can be found here: https://sciberras.legal/practice-areas/immigration-law/ or contact us directly to speak to one of our immigration lawyers.
This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.
Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), guest writer, is a marketing and business administration specialist with a special focus on corporate, accounting, and legal matters.
Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].
