Ali Almahmoude

I never thought that my passion for journalism would cost me my freedom in my homeland and drive me to emigrate.

My name is Ali Almahmoude, a journalist and human rights defender.

In 2017, I began my work driven by a passion to bring change and an impact in my community. Journalism was a tool for justice, revealing truth and a way to give a voice to the voiceless.

I never knew that violence would be used in attempt to silence this voice! February 2022, while working in Martyrs’ Square - Tripoli, I was physically assaulted. Reason simply was my courage to work as a journalist! The afflictions continued to hinder my life, which lead to a pivotal decision to leave Libya and find a country where freedom of expression was a basic right of every citizen.

I vividly remember that decisive night when I sat looking at my baggage, heart filled with battling sadness for my country and anger at the injustice I was being subjected to. That evening, when I saw the “Wazin” border closing, I felt as if the door to Libya had been shut forever. It was a painful moment that will live in my memory forever.

I left for Tunisia with only a thousand dinars in my pocket and there I was, alone in a strange country and my family clueless about the truth behind my migration. It seemed as as if my life had been destroyed. Despite the hardship, I carried on, because I had never been one to surrender.

Since that day, I have devoted myself to returning to the work I love and continuing to raise awareness of our right to journalism free from political restrictions and influence. I have now moved to Istanbul and am working for a firm that respects my right to practice free expression to strive, influence, and make a change.

I hope that people are always ready to stand up for their rights, recognize them and strive to seize them without accepting injustice or oppression so that every person in Libya can exercise their right to expression and choice.