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.
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