Tripoli-based Ministry of Interior has refuted news of abduction of UAE-funded Libya Channel journalist, confirming he was arrested by authorities on criminal charges.

The ministry said Monday Salim Shibl was arrested on Friday while covering Tripoli protests at Martyrs’ Square. The ministry did not specify what kind of criminal charges he is facing, but local sources indicated that journalist Shibl was intoxicated when police forces arrested him.

On its official Facebook page, the ministry added that Shibl is in good health condition and he was referred to the Attorney General's Office for more investigations.

The Jordan-based Libya Channel claimed its journalist was kidnapped by armed groups.

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